Council of Indigenous Peoples Hosts the First Austronesian Forum of Female Opinion Leadership in 2023, with 11 Representatives from 9 Member Countries and 200 Participants

The Council of Indigenous Peoples held the 2023 Austronesian Forum of Female Opinion Leadership today, November 26, at the Taipei International Convention Center, marking the first time the council has organized such an event. Eleven female opinion leaders from the Austronesian Forum, representing nine countries attended, with the presence of Kitlang Kabua, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Culture of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The forum, attended by around 200 participants, explored topics such as indigenous education policy, economic policy, public policy, and cultural care policy through a series of thematic discussions. The aim is to strengthen the international perspective of indigenous women, broaden their horizons and public influence, and establish a platform for communication between Taiwan's indigenous peoples and diverse Austronesian indigenous communities.

On the following day, November 27^th, the Council of Indigenous Peoples organized a visit for foreign guests to Nanao Township in Yilan County. The itinerary included on-site visits to the Nanao Culture and Health Station, interactive sessions with indigenous elders, and a visit to the Nan Sun Na Gu Camping Site to engage with indigenous entrepreneurs and experience the cultural activities of the Dongyue Tribe. This provided both foreign guests and local indigenous people with a rare opportunity for meaningful exchanges.

Furthermore, as the central-level agency coordinating indigenous affairs in Taiwan, the Council of Indigenous Peoples not only focuses on formulating and promoting policies for the overall development of Taiwan's indigenous society but also endeavors to establish international connections, thereby expanding diplomatic space for Taiwan. and creating opportunities for collaborative development with indigenous peoples worldwide. Since 2020, the Council has actively promoted the "Six-Year Plan for the Austronesian Forum," facilitating various exchanges between official and non-official channels within the Austronesian regions.