Taipei Strengthens Global Ties at International Cities Forum

Global leaders met in Taipei today to explore how AI can transform city life, as the city showcased its own tech ambitions and announced a new partnership with Dresden, Europe’s semiconductor hub. Officials say the move strengthens Taipei’s push to become a major AI center, building ties across the U.S., Europe, and the Americas. News Five’s Benita Keme‑Palacio was there as Mayor Chiang Wan‑an laid out that vision.

 

Chiang Wan-an, Mayor of Taipei, Taiwan

“From the US to Europe, Taipei is building a global innovation network. Through this partnership with Dresden, we will deepen collaboration in high-tech innovation, smart city governance, talent development, and youth exchange. In short, we’re not just connecting cities; we are connecting ecosystems. I’m also glad to see friends here from Belmopan, Singapore, Dallas, Los Angeles, and many more. Thank you so much for being here. People always say AI is viewed on path data, but what we’re doing here today is different. We’re here to create new possibilities. We’re not just hosting a forum; we’re designing the future as TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) expands across the US and Europe. Taipei has welcomed something special. NVIDIA’s first overseas headquarters. That’s not just an investment; that’s a vote of confidence in Taipei today. AI has become our common language across cities and across cultures, and Taipei is ready to be your partner. Turning innovation into real impact. So let’s make today count. Let’s share ideas, spark new thinking, and build something meaningful. Thank you and welcome to Taipei. Welcome to the future.”

 

Belmopan Brings Digital Progress to Taipei’s International Cities Forum

 

Belize was also part of the conversation at the International Cities Forum in Taipei, Taiwan. During his address, Pablo Cawich shared how technology is already making a difference back home in Belmopan for residents of the Garden City. He says these systems are improving efficiency, increasing transparency, and strengthening response times to better serve the people in his municipality.

 

Pablo Cawich, Mayor of Belmopan

“In Belmopan, we’re integrating digital tools to directly improve municipal management and service delivery. One example is our fleet management system, which is designed primarily as an internal operational tool for the council. This system allows designated managers to monitor municipal fleet operations, track performance, and improve the efficiency of services directly across departments. Complementing this internal system is our Clean City app, which is designed specifically for public engagement. Once residents sign in, they can receive notifications and view information related to waste management services in their area. This helps residents better understand services, service schedules and strengthen transparency in municipal operations. In addition, we we’re presently developing a GIS-based task management system, which incorporates citizen science or data collection. Through this approach, residents will be able to contribute information about issues within their communities, allowing municipal teams to map problems, prioritize responses, and track solutions more effectively. These types of systems help us reduce inefficiencies, improve response times, increase transparency, and strengthen data-driven decision-making as a capital city built inland, and whose development was first trapped after a devastating hurricane in 1961, Belmopan understands the importance of resilience.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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