In its 1987 report, *Our Common Future*, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) defined sustainable development as "development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," thus introducing the concept of sustainable development to the world for the first time. In 2016, the United Nations also adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as guidelines for sustainable development over the next 15 years. In response to this trend, the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs launched the "SME Green Little Giant Mentoring Program," guiding Taiwanese SMEs to shift their business mindset towards "green innovation," building economic development on a foundation of environmental sustainability, and empowering businesses to exert influence and become a positive force for change. In 2017, the program supported 21 companies, who have created numerous green miracles, implementing sustainable development in food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, and entertainment, becoming a new development path for businesses and pioneering new avenues for business operations. Green sustainability begins with proactive planning. It starts with proactive corporate planning, gradually leading to innovative thinking and action. Sustainable development is no longer just a slogan; these SMEs are taking concrete actions to protect the environment: Island Learning combines ecology and tourism, launching low-carbon tours of Green Island, leading manufacturers, residents, and tourists to contribute to the environment; Green Energy develops energy-saving mini-balls and parent-child picture books, promoting environmental education through green and environmentally friendly lesson plans, ensuring education takes root, and encouraging families to reduce carbon emissions; Kuanda Travel uses "air columns" to replace the traditional frame concept, developing Taiwan's first lightweight tent with a carbon footprint; Chenzhen Construction overturns old construction site thinking, creating a recyclable, reusable, and ecologically green five-star construction office. Besides source management, exemplary dissemination is also an important mission. Blue Whale International, through beach and ocean cleanup operations, in collaboration with Huamei Optics and the Plastics Center, transforms marine plastic waste into unique marine debris glasses through technological value-added processes. This gives marine waste a new lease on life, significantly reducing the environmental impact of industry and demonstrating the company's commitment to green sustainability. Taiwanese SMEs have already achieved considerable success in greening initiatives, thanks to their continued concern for the land while achieving economic growth. This fosters corporate green sustainability and connects society to jointly protect nature. Let the world see Taiwan's green star. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared 2017 the "International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development," advocating for sustainable tourism development that integrates environmental resources, industrial development, cultural values, and social welfare. Taiwanese SMEs are also actively connecting with international organizations and platforms, such as participating in international DRT shows, UN World Oceans Day, Project Aware international social media platforms, international beach cleanup operations, and the UN Year of Tourism for Development, allowing the world to see Taiwan's green star and enabling Taiwanese businesses to go global. It's worth mentioning that the 2018 World Flora Exposition, themed "GNP, Green, Nature, People," redefined GNP, echoing the concept of green and sustainable cities and becoming the most important core value of the Taichung Flora Exposition. Sanhui Lumber Mill utilized its exclusively developed "water-retaining and subsidence-preventing construction method" to develop street furniture chairs. Through structural design, the chairs enhance structural strength, allowing the land to breathe and providing habitat for underground insects. Designed in the shape of Hakka tung blossoms, and integrated into the Flora Exposition's Waipu Park, the furniture chairs will promote Taiwan's green architectural design to the world. The Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in order to enhance the green competitiveness of enterprises, has commissioned the Quality, Environmental and Safety Department of the Plastics Processing and Materials Research Institute (PCRI) to implement the "SME Green Little Giant Guidance Program." This program aims to assist manufacturers in meeting international environmental protection requirements and promoting green product design and marketing. Enterprises interested in further green-related issues can visit the SME Green Environmental Protection Information Network at http://green.pidc.org.tw/index.php, or contact 04-2359-5900 ext. 301; or email janet@pidc.org.tw (Contact: Ms. Hsieh Ming-Kuei) for service inquiries.
