Fourth co-host: Guatemala
Content of Workshop: This GCTF workshop was the first in a series of expert exchanges focused on the Western Hemisphere. The workshop focused on helping countries deploy digital tools to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other virtual events in this series will also related to aspects of the digital economy. This webinar was the first GCTF program focused on the Western Hemisphere and will leverage digital platforms to reach participants in Latin American and Caribbean. AIT Director Brent Christensen said, “As the pandemic continues to rage across the world, Taiwan can help develop new solutions to support frontline medical and other essential workers. Taiwan set the standard for transparency, by quickly and accurately communicating risks to the general public in a way that built trust and secured voluntary cooperation. The whole world has much to learn from Taiwan’s example. Though Taiwan is prevented from participating meaningfully in the WHO, the webinar you heard today is just one of many ways that Taiwan is sharing its expertise and showcasing that it is a force for good in the international community. The United States remains committed to expanding Taiwan’s international space.”
Key Attendees: AIT Director Brent Christensen, U.S. Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Julie Chung, Guatemalan Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo, Taiwan Vice Foreign Minister Miguel Tsao, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chief Representative Hiroyasu Izumi, Taiwan Digital Minister Audrey Tang, BlueDot CEO Dr. Kamran Khan
Number of Participating Countries: 25