At noon on January 30, Legislative Yuan Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) attended the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global Parliamentary Enhancement and Development Association of Republic of China, initiated by KMT Legislator Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling. Distinguished guests in attendance included KMT Legislators Fu Kun-Chi, Lin Te-Fu, Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, Dr. Cheng Cheng-Chien, Wang Yu-Min, Jeng Tian-Tsair, Tu Chuan-Chi, Lo Chih-Chiang, Lo Ming-Tsai, Dr. Yang Chiung-Ying, Dr. Ko Ju-Chun, Dr. Lin Chien-Chi, Hsu Hsin-Ying, and Dr. Lai Shyh-Bao; TPP Legislators Dr. Liu Shu-Pin, Mai Yu-Chen, Lin Kuo-Chen, and Chang Chi-Kai; Director General Bill Shih-Chang Huang of the Office of Parliamentarian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); H.E. Ambassador Donya Lynex Francis from the Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis; H.E. Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae from the Embassy of Tuvalu; H.E. Ambassador Katherine Vanessa Meighan from the Embassy of Belize; and Director Kao Su-Po of the Chinese Association for Human Rights.
The inauguration ceremony began with a group photo of all participants, followed by opening remarks and introductions by the initiator, Legislator Weng. Deputy Secretary General Chang then delivered remarks. He expressed that it was his privilege to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global Parliamentary Enhancement and Development Association of Republic of China on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜). He also thanked the legislators present for their long-term attention and dedication to parliamentary diplomacy, proactively promoting exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and parliaments worldwide. He added that, with the collective efforts of the attending legislators, the association will undoubtedly become a pivotal force in helping the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China connect with the international community.
Deputy Secretary General Chang stated that Taiwan sits in a strategic position on the First Island Chain in the Pacific, with a complex geopolitical environment and challenges that have never abated. However, he said, Taiwan has received international attention not only because of its extraordinary performance in the high-tech industry but also because of its steadfast commitment to safeguarding core values such as democracy and freedom. Taiwan, he said, has also demonstrated humanitarian concern and a spirit of cooperation at critical moments. He noted that Taiwan took the initiative to share its pandemic prevention experience and donate medical supplies when the world encountered public health crises, and that during major international events such as the earthquake in Turkey and the Russia-Ukraine war, voluntary donations and relief efforts from Taiwan’s civil society not only provided comfort to those in need but also demonstrated our commitment to global citizenship. He added that this spirit of altruism and humanitarian concern has helped the world see Taiwan, creating opportunities for Taiwan to engage more deeply with the world.
Deputy Secretary General Chang further noted that parliamentary diplomacy is an indispensable part of Taiwan’s external relations. The exchanges between the Legislative Yuan and parliaments around the world, he said, not only help convey the voices of Taiwan’s citizens but also help build mutual trust and long-term partnerships. Deputy Secretary General Chang said that the establishment of the Global Parliamentary Enhancement and Development Association of Republic of China responds to these needs by providing a systematic, action-oriented platform for cross-border parliamentary exchanges. He noted that every legislator is a representative of the people and an important channel for dialogue between Taiwan and the world. He expressed his hope that the association will inject further momentum into parliamentary diplomacy, and once again thanked the legislators for their dedication and contributions to these diplomatic efforts.
Afterwards, Ambassador Francis from the Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ambassador Faavae from the Embassy of Tuvalu, Ambassador Meighan from the Embassy of Belize, and Director Kao of the Chinese Association for Human Rights also delivered remarks. Legislator Weng, the initiator of the inauguration meeting, then led the adoption of the association’s charter and the election of the president and vice presidents. Following the election, Vice Presidents Legislators Lo Chih-Chiang, Liu, and Chen delivered remarks. The event lasted approximately 50 minutes and concluded successfully. (2026/01/30)
