To deepen and root education in sustainable development, the Fitipower Environmental Foundation and the National Taiwan Library are collaborating to promote the program of " Selection and Reading of Books on Education for Sustainable Development " This program, unveiled for the first time on the morning of the 15th, features books suitable for children aged from 0 to 12 that align with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. It marks a new and groundbreaking chapter in pursuing common prosperity for generations to come.
The National Taiwan Library invited scholars and experts specializing in sustainable development, education, special education, health and medical care, child development, reading promotion, literature and art, social and economic innovation, and other fields to form a selection panel. After eight months of rigorous effort, the panel selected 120 books from a pool of 2,250 books submitted by 133 publishers. Among these selections, 45 are suitable for children aged 0-5 and 75 are suitable for children aged 6-12. The selection also includes resources for special education, in line with the concept of equal reading opportunities.
Young Lin, Chairman of the Fitipower Environmental Foundation, stated that today is a significant milestone in the collaboration between the National Taiwan Library and the Fitipower Environmental Foundation. As a semiconductor design company, Fitipower has always been committed to innovative designs that promote energy conservation and carbon reduction. They aspire to bring convenience to human life while mitigating the environmental impact. The Fitipower Environmental Foundation recognized that many global lists of sustainable development books already exist and expected Taiwan to catch up. Leveraging the expertise and experience of the National Taiwan Library in book selection and parent-child reading, they embarked on this interdisciplinary collaboration, hoping to root sustainable development values in the hearts of the new generation and contribute to Taiwan's sustainable development. The Fitipower Environmental Foundation will continue to fulfill its role as a responsible corporate citizen and contribute to Taiwan's sustainable development.
Director Tsao Tsuei-ying of the National Library expressed that the National Library has been contemplating which values will stay in children's hearts in this era of diverse values. These values should enrich their lives, enable them to feel the rhythm of life, and cultivate a global perspective. Among these values, fostering a rich foundation in life education and contributing to the 2030 sustainable development are the core values. Director Tsao believed that during the period of pandemic-induced closures nationwide, books have the power to comfort the soul and provide companionship, reminding people that even though physical distance may exist due to the pandemic, the human spirit knows no boundaries. Similarly, sustainable development is a challenge that encompasses the relationship between humans, the environment, society, and the economy. It guides children to develop a sense of social care from an early age. The National Library has always been committed to exerting social educational influence and community impact to achieve inclusiveness, coexistence, and common good. Through the collaboration with the Fitipower Environmental Foundation, they hope to establish roots in families, schools, and libraries, believing that society will become better starting from each and every one of us.
Dr. Li Wei-wen, a member of the selection committee, shared the process of book selection. He emphasized that the book selection initiative aims not only to prevent disasters caused by environmental destruction but also to construct a high-quality society. This public sector book selection is the first of its kind and did not restrict the publication years of the submitted books. Ultimately, over a hundred publishers participated, exceeding everyone's expectations. On one hand, it showed the publishers' dedication, but it also placed great pressure on the selection team. Nevertheless, the committee members carried a sense of mission and passion, presenting the final selection of 120 books to the world. Dr. Li reiterated that the environmental crisis is a pressing issue for contemporary humans. In the coming decades, even centuries, it will be the most crucial matter for humanity. Without timely construction of a sustainable society, all other demands will be in vain.
Professor Yeh Hsin-cheng, serving as an advisory committee member, mentioned that as a scholar, he seldom witnesses the actual results of the frameworks developed in his research field. Therefore, being present today and seeing the concept of a sustainable picture book selection system discussed with Ph.D. candidates, along with the participation of numerous publishers, filled him with deep emotions. Professor Yeh particularly emphasized that there are many pathways to "making the world a better place," and the environment is undoubtedly the fundamental one. Just as the United Nations promoted the concept of sustainable development in 1987, continuously emphasizing the eradication of poverty as its top priority, in 2015, it presented the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, with ending poverty and eliminating hunger as the first two goals. These goals receive less attention in Taiwan but are equally important. Therefore, the three major aspects of "environment," "economy," and "society" are indispensable for addressing real-world problems. Through education and books, Professor Yeh hopes that both children and adults will increasingly understand sustainable development and contribute to changing society.
From June 15th to July 2nd, the National Taiwan Library will exhibit the selected books in the Taiwan Art and Culture Corridor on the first floor. Additionally, they will set up sustainable book reading corners in Keelung City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City, Kaohsiung City, and Hualien County, organize training workshops, and allow sustainable concepts to take root and present a new outlook on sustainable reading.
Chairman Young Lin of Fitipower Environmental Sustainable Foundation
& Director Cao Cuiying of the National Taiwan Library
Group Photo
The Showcase of Sustainable Development Books
Speech by Advisory Committee Member Yeh Hsin-Cheng
Guided Tour of The Exhibition
