WASHINGTON, DC, USA – On Aug. 10, 2015 the World Trade Center Washington, DC (Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center) hosted the first International Environmental Partnership (IEP) conference. Nearly 100 experts, government officials, community leaders and non-profit organization members met with representation from 12 countries.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Jane Nishida, gave welcoming remarks and noted that IEP was launched in April 2014 in Taipei by Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration Minister Kuo-Yen Wei, witnessed by President Ma Ying-jeou and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. Ms. Nishida emphasized that IEP has been in operation for 16 months and has already planned and carried out dozens of activities focusing on macro and micro global environmental issues, making a visible difference in communities in Asia, North America, Latin America, and Africa. She added that the EPA is proud to be a founding member.

Republic of China (Taiwan) EPA Minister Wei and Representative Lyushun Shen also delivered opening remarks. Minister Wei noted that Taiwan and the U.S. began intensive cooperation under the Bilateral Agreement for Technical Cooperation back in 1993, with the implementation of more than 200 projects. With heartfelt appreciation for the EPA’s sharing of environmental technology and expertise, Taiwan will pass on the knowledge gained in the spirit of collaboration. The launching of IEP not only established a platform for Taiwan to share its environmental expertise and experience with other nations, it opened an invitation to all nations to join the partnership seeking to improve the global environment and protect human health.

The IEP Conference covered a wide range of themes, including air quality monitoring, eco-campus, Cities Clean Air Partnership, soil remediation, mercury monitoring, electronic waste management, and environmental education. Presenters included Asian and Pacific Islander Obesity Prevention Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, Clean Air Asia, and North America Association for Environmental Education. All participants at the conference were able to share best practices and inspire new thinking during the conference, synergizing their past efforts.

PHOTO: Participants of the first International Environmental Partnership conference hosted at the World Trade Center Washington, DC (Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center)