Nov. 11 – 12
The Eighth Tzu Chi Forum, “Fostering a New Era of Equality,” was held in New Taipei City
The Eighth Tzu Chi Forum, “Fostering a New Era of Equality,” convened at the Xindian Jing Si Hall in northern Taiwan. Issues of inequality were addressed in regards to employment, housing, homeless care, energy, and food resources. Possible solutions were also proposed. Fifty scholars and experts from Taiwan and abroad delivered speeches and engaged in panel discussions, presenting a total of 35 papers. Additionally, the Tzu Chi Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley, with plans to host an innovation forum involving businesses from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
Nov. 15
Lin Chin-Lon, CEO of the Tzu Chi medical mission, was awarded Taiwan’s Outstanding Sustainability Achievement Award
Lin Chin-Lon (林俊龍), CEO of the Tzu Chi medical mission, received the Outstanding Sustainability Achievement Award at the 16th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA) on November 15. In October, CEO Lin learned of his inclusion in the 2022 Annual Scientific Influence Ranking released by Stanford University. This additional recognition at the TCSA marked a double celebration of his achievements
Nov. 20
Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia successfully performed Indonesia’s first pediatric stem cell transplant
The bone marrow (stem cell) transplant team at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital in eastern Taiwan assisted Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia in Jakarta in successfully performing Indonesia’s first pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patient Assyifa, diagnosed with severe thalassemia. Assyifa’s brother, Alfatih, served as the compatible donor. Since September 2020, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital has provided training in stem cell transplantation for four Indonesian doctors, 14 nurses, and two medical technologists.
Nov. 24
Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan honored for advancing Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital as an international environmental benchmark
For more than a decade, Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan (林名男) of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in southern Taiwan has championed environmental awareness within Taiwan’s medical community, establishing the hospital as an exemplar for environmental practices. He has also played a pivotal role in helping the hospital win the Outstanding Fulfillment of WHO Health Promoting Hospital Standards Award. In recognition of his contributions to environmental sustainability and health promotion, he was honored with the 2023 Taiwan Medical Contribution Award from the Taiwan Medical Association. Dr. Lin sees this award a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire hospital team.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 13
Tzu Chi shared practical experiences in addressing climate change at COP28
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Tzu Chi delegation attended as an official observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in the capacity of co-chair of the Multi-Faith Advisory Council. Through participating in forums and organizing an exhibition, the Tzu Chi delegation shared the foundation’s specific accomplishments in promoting environmental protection, reducing plastic usage, lowering medical carbon footprint, and enhancing public environmental awareness. The goal is to harness the efforts of various religious groups to together address climate issues. Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital was also invited to elaborate on the relationship between vegetarianism, health, and the environment during side meetings.
Dec. 6
Aid provided to 130,000 people affected by floods in Pakistan
In 2022, floods in Pakistan impacted over 33 million people, prompting collaboration between Tzu Chi and six NGOs to provide assistance. In 2023, recurring floods damaged around 45 percent of the country’s agricultural land. Coupled with inflation reaching nearly a 49-year high, the population has faced daunting financial challenges. Tzu Chi, once again partnering with the Al-Madinah Islamic Research Center and three other NGOs, renewed efforts to offer aid in the form of food, blankets, and free medical clinics. As of December 6, 2023, a total of 131,301 people had benefited from the assistance. (Repeated services are counted as separate recipients.)
Dec. 9
Vision Future Incubator Results Presentation offered effective solutions to social issues
The Tzu Chi Foundation held the Sixth Vision Future Incubator (VFI) Results Presentation at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei. They also announced the participants selected for the 7th VFI. VFI is a sponsorship program for people under 40 with innovative ideas to improve the world. Participants receive grants and guidance from mentors to implement their projects. The 11 teams in the 6th VFI presented solutions addressing subjects like stray animals, small farmers, the elderly, and children. The VFI program exemplifies Tzu Chi’s commitment to fostering positive change and making a meaningful impact on diverse societal challenges.
Dec. 10
The Tzu Chi International Youth Sustainability Conference showcased youth achievements in sustainability
The Second Annual Tzu Chi International Youth Association Sustainability Conference, centered around the theme “Sustainable Vitality, I DO!”, took place at Taipei’s Plantarium. The event highlighted Tzu Chi youth’s year-long accomplishments in sustainability, encompassing contributions to the foundation’s assistive device program, outreach to inmates at Hualien Prison in eastern Taiwan, and other efforts. There were related exhibitions on-site. The conference brought together young people, demonstrating their commitment and proactive efforts in promoting sustainability.
Dec. 18
Tzu Chi initiated distributions to quake victims in Gansu Province, China
At 11:59 p.m. on December 18, a powerful magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan County, Gansu Province, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives in Gansu and Haidong City, Qinghai Province. With temperatures below freezing in the disaster area, Tzu Chi volunteers quickly mobilized to provide essential supplies such as folding beds, blankets, cotton tents, electric blankets, coal stoves, and medical kits. Arriving in the disaster area on the evening of the 21st, volunteers initiated aid distributions to four villages in three townships the following day.
