In the first stage of the “2021 Global Mayor Challenge”, the Bloomberg Charity Foundation of the United States selected 50 champion cities from 99 countries and 631 participating cities to enter the finals. Taipei City’s efforts have been favored by the organizers and won one of the 50 champion cities in the “2021 Global Mayor Challenge”. Other shortlisted cities include London, Paris, Auckland… and other cities. The reason for this selection is that Taipei City is facing the challenge of entering a super-aged society. In response to the severe threat of the epidemic, it has made every effort to promote digital transformation. To create a new normal of smart Taipei, the government has chosen to use digital technology and creativity to improve the health of the elderly.
To encourage cities to promote innovation in public services, the Bloomberg Charity Foundation has organized the “Mayor Challenge” since 2013, encouraging various city government departments to innovate through the competition and promoting successful cases to other cities. The Covid-19 epidemic has changed the lifestyles of cities around the world. For the first time since this (2021) year, the Mayoral Challenge has been selected for global selection. In addition, this is the first time that cities in the Asia-Pacific region can participate in this event. The main theme of this competition is “innovative solutions in response to the epidemic.” The challenges include “health and welfare,” “climate and environment,” “economic recovery and inclusive growth,” and “good governance and equality.” The proposal must meet at least one of the aspects. For details, please refer to the activity website: https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/mayors-challenge
In the next four months, the organizer will invite teams from the Taipei City Government to participate in a creative camp involving global experts, contestants from other cities, and winning cities in the previous Mayor’s Challenge. With the assistance of expert coaches from the Bloomberg Charity Foundation, the team will refine the city’s first phase proposal and submit a revised plan in October 2021. The organizer will also announce the final 15 winning cities in early 2022.
