Lee Yung-jaan (李永展), researcher of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research and Executive Director of the Community Empowering Society, passed away on Apr. 19 at the age of 63. Upon hearing the news, Culture Minister Lee Yung-te expressed his sincere condolences and will present a certificate from the Ministry of Culture, to commend his lifetime contribution to the promotion of community building and environmental sustainability issues in Taiwan. Lee Yung-jaan had proposed many important policy recommendations to the government, and he was an important practitioner of community building and urban-rural cultural development in Taiwan, said Minister Lee.
Born in 1959, Lee Yung-jaan was raised in Dadaocheng, Taipei. He completed his Ph.D. in Environmental Planning from the University of Michigan in the US in 1992. Previously he served as Director-General of Taoyuan County Government's Urban and Rural Development Bureau, Deputy Mayor of Taoyuan City, Professor of Chinese Culture University and National Chengchi University, member of National Council for Sustainable Development, and President of Green Citizens' Action Alliance and Taiwan Environmental Information Association. His main area of interest focused on sustainable development, environmental conservation, urban-rural and community planning, and environment and behavior, among others.
In recognition of his contribution, he received awards from the Ministry of Education and the Taiwan Institute of Urban Planning. He also published several articles, such as "Sustainable Development Strategy (永續發展策略)." Apart from academic research, he was dedicated to fostering and supporting communities and youths to become involved in community building. Throughout his life, Lee Yung-jaan engaged in the promotion of community building and environmental sustainability in Taiwan for nearly 30 years. His legacy will be cherished forever by future generations.