Combatting COVID-19 Disinformation

On April 29, Mr. Hiroyasu Izumi, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, participated in the opening ceremony of the virtual Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Workshop on Combating COVID-19 Disinformation and made a speech as follows. This virtual format linked up participants from a range of countries via a video conferencing system and was the first virtual GCTF workshop in response to the COVID-19 situation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Hiroyasu Izumi. Today, on behalf of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, I am delighted to co-host this virtual GCTF (Global Cooperation and Training Framework) workshop on the topic of Combatting COVID-19 Disinformation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the American Institute in Taiwan.

This virtual workshop is the first GCTF initiative since the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic. Its theme is highly topical in the current situation. I believe it is significant that at a time when the containment of this infectious disease requires a cooperative effort on all our parts, this is a collaborative initiative between Japan, Taiwan, and the US.

Although Taiwan is restricted in its ability to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO), it has achieved great success in its efforts to contain the new coronavirus and is increasingly viewed as a Taiwan model for dealing with the pandemic by the international community. Infectious diseases represent a severe threat to life, so this is an issue that commands worldwide interest and attention. Nevertheless, it is also true that there are forces looking to disseminate false information about this disease and to disrupt society with various intents and purposes. Taiwan’s handling of the pandemic has been highly effective, including its response to such disinformation. Actions to contain infectious diseases must be based on accurate information if they are to be successful. Equally, governments must make every effort to ensure that the information they publish is accurate and respond immediately to disinformation.

Today, it is a great honor for the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association to participate in this initiative to foster in-depth discussion amongst experts from all over the world, including Japan, on how we can realize a better world.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making today’s virtual GCTF possible. We continue to fervently support Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations where appropriate, including its participation in WHO as an observer.

Thank you very much for your attention.