Since its establishment, the Taiwan Slow City Coalition (TSC) has been committed to promoting the concept of slow cities with a human-centred approach. Through environmental protection, local cultural development and sustainable economic practices, the Coalition has been gradually creating a slow-living environment that is more suitable for living, leisure and work. With rapid urbanisation, the world is facing the challenges of increased environmental pressure and faster pace of life, the value of slow cities is becoming more and more precious, and has become an important way to balance the quality of life and economic development.

This year’s forum is scheduled to be held in Chihshang Township, Taitung County, which, with its beautiful natural scenery and rural landscape rich in cultural heritage, has long been renowned for its rice, and combined with the local humanistic spirit, has gradually become a desired slow travel destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Chihshang’s rich ecological resources, harmonious agricultural landscape and excellent community development results not only match the core concept of a slow city, but Chihshang Township has also successfully obtained Slow City International certification in June this year, highlighting its advantages as the host of the annual conference forum. Through the Slow City Forum, Chihshang will be able to demonstrate its diverse contributions to ecological protection, community development and cultural preservation, and further strengthen its status as a Slow City.

The 5th Slow City Forum not only brought together experts and scholars from home and abroad to explore the multiple facets of ‘sustainable living and slow living culture’, but also provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences and share successful cases and innovative ideas. We hope that through this forum, we can encourage more cities to take care of the environment while developing economically, creating a healthy, comfortable and flavourful lifestyle, and guiding the direction of future urban development.