The "2023 Taichung City Voluntary Review Report 2.0" distinguished itself among all counties and cities nationwide, winning the prestigious Platinum First Prize at the "2024 17th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards." Secretary-General Chong-Dian Huang represented the city government at today's (11th) award ceremony. Secretary-General Huang noted that Taichung City publishes a voluntary review report biennially and comprehensively promoting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The city has published two versions to date, both achieving platinum-level recognition, demonstrating Taichung's widely acknowledged sustainable governance achievements as it continues advancing toward becoming a benchmark sustainable city.

Secretary-General Huang explained that the "2023 Taichung City Voluntary Local Reviews 2.0" (VLR 2.0) documents Taichung's SDGs implementation, reviewing the city's sustainable development achievements and featuring three highlight chapters: "Dynamic Economy and Prosperous City," "Friendly Livable Happy City," and "Sustainable Resilient Net-zero City." The report presents administrative performance in economic, social, and environmental sustainability, strengthening the connection between city policies and UN SDGs. Sustainable indicators increased from 103 to 148, and sustainable programs from 106 to 145. The report also incorporates Taichung's 2050 net-zero carbon emissions pathway legislation, including the "Taichung City Sustainable Net-zero Self-Governance Ordinance" development process, reinforcing climate legislation foundation and actively participating in international climate initiatives.

Secretary-General Huang further explained that since the publication of VLR 2.0, Taichung has achieved outstanding administrative performance in environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions. In the financial aspect, according to Ministry of Economic Affairs statistics, Taichung City's company and business registration indicators have maintained at least four top rankings for 14 consecutive quarters from Q2 2021 through Q3 this year, demonstrating continued business confidence in Taichung's investment environment. The city achieved the highest improvement rate among six special municipalities in the "Economy and Employment" category of CommonWealth Magazine's "2024 County/City Overall and Sustainable Competitiveness Survey." The city generated substantial business opportunities by implementing the "Economic Revitalization Trilogy," combined with price adjustment vouchers, the Taichung Grill Festival, and the Taichung Shopping Festival. Last year's fifth shopping festival achieved the highest consumption registration amount nationwide, driving over NT$60 billion in economic value, as the city strives to build a strong and prosperous "Wealthy Taichung."

In the social dimension, Taichung actively promotes comprehensive services for all ages, continuing to implement policies such as "Multiplying Public Childcare and Kindergartens," "Parent-Child Centers in Every District," and increased childcare subsidies. Currently offering the nation's lowest public childcare fees, the city actively develops "Taichung Good Housing" with over 9,000 social housing units, providing the nation's most favorable "567777" social housing rental discount scheme. This creates a resident-friendly environment, attracting young people to establish roots in Taichung. Regarding elderly-friendly care, as of September this year, long-term care service coverage has reached 100% across all Taichung administrative districts, with the nation's best long-term care resource distribution. In education and cultural investment, upholding the principle that "Investment in Children Cannot Be Compromised," Taichung maintains the highest education, science, and culture budget ratio among the six special municipalities, demonstrating the most substantial commitment to next-generation education. Taichung ranked first among the six special municipalities in CommonWealth Magazine's 2023 evaluation for quality of life, earning recognition as the "Premier City for Quality Living." With the total population exceeding 2.85 million this year, it has become one of the most desired cities for relocation, continuing to build a friendly and inclusive "Warm Taichung."

In the environmental dimension, facing climate change impacts, sustainable net zero has become a crucial international trend. As Taiwan's second-largest city, Taichung bears significant responsibility for sustainable development actions. Since taking office, Mayor Lu has completed the "Sustainable Net-zero Trilogy," including signing the "Climate Emergency Declaration," publishing the "Taichung City Voluntary Review Report," and announcing the "2050 Taichung City Net-zero Carbon Emissions Pathway." The city has further established the "Taichung City Sustainable Net-zero Self-Governance Ordinance," gradually advancing toward net-zero transformation. Regarding air quality improvement, the city actively promotes the "Blue Sky White Cloud Action Plan" and incorporates AI smart technology to enhance inspection effectiveness. From January to November this year, the PM2.5 average was 13.8 micrograms, the second-best air quality in the past decade. This created a sustainable city where humans and ecology coexist harmoniously, shaping a carbon-free "Livable Taichung."

Secretary-General Huang emphasized that while Taichung City has achieved remarkable results in sustainable development, there is no room for complacency. The city will continue its efforts moving forward. He expressed gratitude for the unified cooperation of the city government team and citizens' support. Taichung City will publish its third voluntary review report next year, showcasing its sustainable governance achievements in all sectors. The city government team will continue to solve urban challenges with sustainable thinking through public-private partnerships, promoting full citizen participation, and deepening public awareness of sustainable development as they progress toward the vision of "Happy, Sustainable, and Prosperous Taichung."