On the morning of April 24, Legislative Yuan Consultant Wang Chuan-Chong (王全忠) attended the joint inauguration ceremony of the Pan-Pacific Women Parliamentarians' Alliance and the Asian Women Parliamentarians' Alliance, initiated by DPP Legislator Lin Chu-Yin. Distinguished guests in attendance included DPP Legislators Dr. Fan Yun, Chen Pei-Yu, Huang Jie, Chiu Yi-Ying, Dr. Loh Mei-Ling, Wu Szu-Yao, Wu Pei-Yi, Kuo Yu-Ching, Lai Hui-Yuan, Dr. Wu Li-Hua (Saidhai Tahovecahe), Ngalim Tiunn, Chen Hsiu-Pao, Ho Hsin-Chun, Wang Mei-Hui, Su Chiao-Hui, Dr. Lin Yueh-Chin, and Chung Chia-Pin; KMT Legislator Dr. Alice Chang; TPP Legislators Dr. Liu Shu-Pin and Tsai Chun-Chou; Vice Minister Ger Bau-Shuan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Ambassador Dr. Robert Lewis of the Embassy of Saint Lucia; H.E. Ambassador Katherine Vanessa Meighan of the Embassy of Belize; Acting Representative Koh Sang-Wook of the Korean Mission in Taipei; Deputy Director General Vishwanjali Murlidhar Gaikwad of the India Taipei Association; Director for Consular Services Atty. Kyra Vernice G. Salayog of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office; Deputy Director Ingrid Lennon of the Economic and Policy Section of the Australian Office in Taipei; First Secretary Nathan Salvador of the Embassy of the Republic of Palau; Specialist Agustina of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei; Private Secretary Ellen Cheng of the Embassy of Tuvalu; and Political Assistant Hung Chen-Sheng of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Legislator Lin Chu-Yin, the initiator, followed by remarks from Legislator Fan, Vice President of the Pan-Pacific Women Parliamentarians' Alliance; Legislator Liu Shu-Pin, Vice President of the Asian Women Parliamentarians' Alliance; and other distinguished guests. Consultant Wang delivered remarks on behalf of the Legislative Yuan, expressing his honor in attending the joint inauguration ceremony on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜). He stated that the establishment of the two alliances precisely responds to the international community’s current emphasis on gender equality and is highly significant as a milestone in deepening parliamentary diplomacy.
Consultant Wang noted that the Legislative Yuan, as the core of Taiwan’s democratic development, has always stood at the forefront of social progress, especially in advancing gender equality. In the current 11th Legislative Yuan, he said, women account for as much as 41.5% of all legislators, or 47 seats. This is not only a democratic achievement of which Taiwan is proud, but also enables Taiwan to continue serving as a model for gender equality in the Asian political arena. He further stated that parliament is a microcosm of society, and the data reflect the inclusiveness and diversity of Taiwan, adding that compared with the executive branch, parliament is better able to convey public opinion authentically through its diverse composition. He highlighted that female parliamentarians’ nuanced and professional engagement in legislative affairs has brought broader and more inclusive perspectives to policymaking, and that these irreplaceable key forces are helping Taiwan move toward a fairer and more progressive future.
Consultant Wang further stated that, from the perspective of regional connectivity, Taiwan is located at the heart of East Asia’s first island chain, connecting the Asian continent and the Pacific region. Taiwan, he said, has long maintained close interactions with countries in the region and has worked for many years to advance women’s political participation. Through the two newly established alliances, he said, female parliamentarians in Asia and the Pan-Pacific region can be further connected, and a stable and sustainable mechanism for parliamentary exchanges can be established. This, he said, will help countries draw on each other’s experience in terms of institutions and policies, deepen mutual understanding and cooperation, and jointly improve the environment for women’s political participation.
Consultant Wang closed by thanking Legislator Lin Chu-Yin for establishing the Pan-Pacific Women Parliamentarians' Alliance and the Asian Women Parliamentarians' Alliance. He expressed confidence that the alliances will become important platforms for Taiwan to conduct parliamentary diplomacy and deepen partnerships with countries in Asia and the Pan-Pacific region. He added that as the nation’s highest representative body, the Legislative Yuan will continue to follow and support policies related to gender equality, and following the establishment of these alliances, will provide full assistance with relevant administrative services.
The inauguration ceremony continued with congratulatory remarks by Vice Minister Ger of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Meighan of the Embassy of Belize; and Acting Representative Koh of the Korean Mission in Taipei, among others. Subsequently, the alliances’ charters were approved, and the president and vice president of each alliance were elected. Legislator Lin Chu-Yin also presented the distinguished guests with commemorative pens designed by a female designer and featuring classic Taiwanese imagery, expressing her hope that everyone could carry Taiwan with them and keep Taiwan in their hearts. The inauguration ceremony lasted approximately 50 minutes and concluded successfully. (2026/04/24)
