Sunday, January 25, 2009

Envisioning Taiwan's Future: A Public Call


The article below announces an innovative approach to public policy. It solicits the public for ideas on a vision for Taiwan’s future. Having a positive vision for the future is a key enabler for improving the quality of life in a society, and something that has been missing in government for quite some time. Good move, and it even leverages Taiwan’s internationally acclaimed e-government capability:

CNA: Web Site Devoted To Discussing Visions For Taiwan To Be Launched Soon

Taipei Central News Agency in English 1230 GMT 25 Jan 09

[By Maubo Chang]

Taipei, Jan. 25 (CNA) -- What should Taiwan be in ten years' time? Will marriage still be defined as a sexual union between a man and a woman by 2019?

A Web site that's being sponsored by the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission of the Executive Yuan will soon invite the public to share their visions for the country in regard to the above two issues and eight other issues. Jiang Yi-huah, the minister heading the commission, said the Web site will be launched after the Chinese New Year holiday and will seek public opinion on issues of public concern.

Minister Jiang said special attention will be given to the views of young people because they are expected to lead society in ten years' time.

Jiang said his commission is searching for ten leaders of public opinion to preside over the discussion of the issues, with each of the ten in charge of one issue.

Other notable issues to be discussed include how to encourage innovations in society, and how Taiwanese citizens can get along well with Chinese citizens.

Jiang says all visions are welcome as long as they can broaden the public's horizons, drive them to think deeper and to produce more creative ideas.

The discussions will help the public reach a consensus on these issues and provide valuable reference material for the Executive Yuan in formulating its policy, said Jiang.

Each discussion leader is supposed to summarize the public's opinions six months after the Web site is set up, Jiang said.

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