President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han meets with delegation of the World Taiwan Foundation.President Han: We thank the foundation for actively cultivating international talents and promoting in-depth participation of Taiwan’s youth in international affairs.
On the afternoon of October 16, President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han and Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by KMT Legislator Chang Chih-Lun, DPP Legislators Puma Shen and Wang Cheng-Hsu, TPP Legislator Chang Chi-Kai, President of the Department of International Affairs Kevin C.F. Lin, and Vice Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Roy Yuan-Rong Leu, met with a delegation from the World Taiwan Foundation.
President Han and Vice President Chiang expressed a heartfelt welcome to the delegation and took a group photo with the attending legislators and guests. In his remarks, President Han noted that since its establishment, the World Taiwan Foundation has spared no efforts in demonstrating its unwavering compassion in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Uganda, and Ukraine through many forms of humanitarian assistance, which is highly admirable and inspiring. Besides being actively engaged in social welfare activities, the World Taiwan Foundation attaches great importance to cultivating the next generation of talents and provides platforms and support for young people to showcase their abilities. The foundation has, in many ways, aided the youth of Taiwan, the hope of the nation’s future, to participate in international organizations and global affairs, thereby helping them foster a broader worldview.
President Han also expressed his special gratitude to the World Taiwan Foundation for organizing and helping Taiwan take part in side events of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN). In July 2024, the World Taiwan Foundation invited Legislator Puma Shen to attend side meetings of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. In the meantime, when Vice President Chiang led the Legislative Yuan delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, for a visit this May, the World Taiwan Foundation also helped the delegation attend the side forums of the World Health Assembly (WHA), joining hands with the government to promote Taiwan’s participation in the WHA. As Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts face harsh challenges, overseas compatriots have always played a crucial role in assisting the government, among which the World Taiwan Foundation’s contributions are widely recognized and admired. President Han said he was delighted to see the visiting members of the World Taiwan Association, and hoped that both sides can conduct frequent exchanges and remain in close contact in the future.
Head of the World Taiwan Association delegation, Vice Chairman Kico Lin, noted in her speech that the World Taiwan Foundation was established in 2009, and has now celebrated its 15th anniversary. She added that she has long been committed to providing a platform for Taiwanese businessmen around the world to show compassion, launch charity events, and open doors for those who want to engage in welfare activities. The World Taiwan Foundation is based on four pillars, which are emergency aid, culture and education, environmental protection, and public health. During the floods caused by Typhoon Morakot, the World Taiwan Foundation raised several million US dollars to help the Xiaolin Village in Kaohsiung. The foundation also made donations after the Kaohsiung gas explosions and the Baxian Paradise dust explosion. The International Coding Project, which the World Taiwan Foundation has actively promoted to make the teaching of programming languages take root, has also showed great results. Vice Chairman Lin emphasized that compassion transcends national borders. She thanked President Han, Vice President Chiang, and the cross-party legislators present for taking the time to meet with the delegation, stating that she was looking forward to collaborating with the Legislative Yuan in promoting charity works and assisting Taiwan in further taking its place in the international community.
Vice President Chiang welcomed the World Taiwan Foundation delegation visiting the Legislative Yuan and said that when he served in the education sector, his area of expertise focused on studying global institutions, including the UN, WTO, and APEC. Since the withdrawal of the R.O.C. from the United Nations, Taiwan has been unable to participate in UN-related affairs. As a result, when teaching relevant affairs of the UN, Taiwan’s colleges and universities can only engage in theoretical discussions as they do not have practical experiences. This has limited Taiwanese students’ understanding of the UN’s operation mechanisms. Vice President Chiang expressed his appreciation for the World Taiwan Foundation’s “UN! Go Initiative” because it encourages young Taiwanese at home and abroad to partake in international organizations. He believed this initiative can bridge the gap caused by Taiwanese youth’s inability to participate in UN-related affairs. He stressed that although the Legislative Yuan may have divergent views on domestic issues, legislators from different parties share a unified stance regarding international affairs and are committed to expanding Taiwan’s international presence. That said, Vice President Chiang noted that cultivating international talents and promoting in-depth participation of Taiwan’s youth in international affairs are paramount to broadening young people’s worldview. He also hoped to work hand in hand with the World Taiwan Foundation to generate more opportunities for young Taiwanese people to participate in international organizations.
Legislator Chang Chih-Lun mentioned that during his studies in the U.S. in 2004, he personally experienced the World Taiwan Foundation’s passion for welfare activities, and how the foundation strived to care for overseas Taiwanese students and businessmen, as well as to elevate Taiwan’s international status. He hoped that the Legislative Yuan will be able to actively partner with the World Taiwan Foundation to create new ideas that allow Taiwan to shine on the international stage.
Legislator Puma Shen welcomed the delegation and mentioned that Taiwan’s difficult diplomatic situation highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and NGOs. Legislator Shen also said that the valuable experience the World Taiwan Foundation has accumulated in aiding Ukraine can serve as a good reference for Taiwan. He also hoped to open up more opportunities for collaboration and communication between the government and the private sector through such NGO projects.
Legislator Chang Chi-Kai praised the World Taiwan Foundation for demonstrating both compassion and a great capacity to take action. The foundation has sent supplies to Ukraine, Poland, and Syria, showcasing the kindness that Taiwan has to offer to the world. He thanked the foundation for its contributions in enhancing Taiwan’s international visibility and welcomed friends from the World Taiwan Association to come back to Taiwan often. Legislator Chang further stated that the Legislative Yuan will give its full support and assistance to contribute to the foundation’s welfare activities.
During the discussion, the Vice President of the World Taiwan Association Danny Chen, Associate Director Chiang Kuan-Yu, Secretary-General of the Asia Pacific Region Lei Tsu-Hsuan, and Consultant Jack Huang described and shared their experiences on projects such as the “UN GO!” global training project, the World Health Organization Medical Diplomacy Initiative, and the Sustainable Action Office. Chief Executive Director of the World Taiwan Foundation John Lin shared the successful experience of the foundation’s East Africa Center, established in Uganda. Taking this as an example, he hoped that the Legislative Yuan can provide more support and assist in connecting African projects with domestic resources to achieve synergistic effects. In doing so, such projects can become one of the driving forces in advancing Taiwan’s diplomatic relations with Africa. Chief Executive Officer Lin also expressed his hope that legislators can visit Africa in person, as this would underline the importance they attach to the continent and further amplify Taiwan's influence in the region.
Lastly, President Han expressed his deep gratitude for the generous help offered by overseas compatriots to Taiwanese travelers facing emergencies abroad, since the government sometimes is unable to assist them immediately. President Han added that he and Vice President Chiang attach great importance to parliamentary diplomacy. For instance, relevant budgets for the Department of International Affairs have been expanded, and legislators have been encouraged to participate in more overseas visits while the Legislative Yuan is in recess, aiming to elevate the international profile of Taiwan through parliamentary diplomacy. President Han stressed that cultivating talents plays an essential role for the nation’s long-term development. He hoped that through various training programs, the next generation of Taiwanese youths will embrace the world and thoroughly participate in international organizations and global affairs.
The visit lasted about an hour, and the atmosphere was friendly and pleasant. After exchanging commemorative gifts and taking group photos, the meeting was concluded on a high note.
President Han and Vice President Chiang expressed a heartfelt welcome to the delegation and took a group photo with the attending legislators and guests. In his remarks, President Han noted that since its establishment, the World Taiwan Foundation has spared no efforts in demonstrating its unwavering compassion in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Uganda, and Ukraine through many forms of humanitarian assistance, which is highly admirable and inspiring. Besides being actively engaged in social welfare activities, the World Taiwan Foundation attaches great importance to cultivating the next generation of talents and provides platforms and support for young people to showcase their abilities. The foundation has, in many ways, aided the youth of Taiwan, the hope of the nation’s future, to participate in international organizations and global affairs, thereby helping them foster a broader worldview.
President Han also expressed his special gratitude to the World Taiwan Foundation for organizing and helping Taiwan take part in side events of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN). In July 2024, the World Taiwan Foundation invited Legislator Puma Shen to attend side meetings of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. In the meantime, when Vice President Chiang led the Legislative Yuan delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, for a visit this May, the World Taiwan Foundation also helped the delegation attend the side forums of the World Health Assembly (WHA), joining hands with the government to promote Taiwan’s participation in the WHA. As Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts face harsh challenges, overseas compatriots have always played a crucial role in assisting the government, among which the World Taiwan Foundation’s contributions are widely recognized and admired. President Han said he was delighted to see the visiting members of the World Taiwan Association, and hoped that both sides can conduct frequent exchanges and remain in close contact in the future.
Head of the World Taiwan Association delegation, Vice Chairman Kico Lin, noted in her speech that the World Taiwan Foundation was established in 2009, and has now celebrated its 15th anniversary. She added that she has long been committed to providing a platform for Taiwanese businessmen around the world to show compassion, launch charity events, and open doors for those who want to engage in welfare activities. The World Taiwan Foundation is based on four pillars, which are emergency aid, culture and education, environmental protection, and public health. During the floods caused by Typhoon Morakot, the World Taiwan Foundation raised several million US dollars to help the Xiaolin Village in Kaohsiung. The foundation also made donations after the Kaohsiung gas explosions and the Baxian Paradise dust explosion. The International Coding Project, which the World Taiwan Foundation has actively promoted to make the teaching of programming languages take root, has also showed great results. Vice Chairman Lin emphasized that compassion transcends national borders. She thanked President Han, Vice President Chiang, and the cross-party legislators present for taking the time to meet with the delegation, stating that she was looking forward to collaborating with the Legislative Yuan in promoting charity works and assisting Taiwan in further taking its place in the international community.
Vice President Chiang welcomed the World Taiwan Foundation delegation visiting the Legislative Yuan and said that when he served in the education sector, his area of expertise focused on studying global institutions, including the UN, WTO, and APEC. Since the withdrawal of the R.O.C. from the United Nations, Taiwan has been unable to participate in UN-related affairs. As a result, when teaching relevant affairs of the UN, Taiwan’s colleges and universities can only engage in theoretical discussions as they do not have practical experiences. This has limited Taiwanese students’ understanding of the UN’s operation mechanisms. Vice President Chiang expressed his appreciation for the World Taiwan Foundation’s “UN! Go Initiative” because it encourages young Taiwanese at home and abroad to partake in international organizations. He believed this initiative can bridge the gap caused by Taiwanese youth’s inability to participate in UN-related affairs. He stressed that although the Legislative Yuan may have divergent views on domestic issues, legislators from different parties share a unified stance regarding international affairs and are committed to expanding Taiwan’s international presence. That said, Vice President Chiang noted that cultivating international talents and promoting in-depth participation of Taiwan’s youth in international affairs are paramount to broadening young people’s worldview. He also hoped to work hand in hand with the World Taiwan Foundation to generate more opportunities for young Taiwanese people to participate in international organizations.
Legislator Chang Chih-Lun mentioned that during his studies in the U.S. in 2004, he personally experienced the World Taiwan Foundation’s passion for welfare activities, and how the foundation strived to care for overseas Taiwanese students and businessmen, as well as to elevate Taiwan’s international status. He hoped that the Legislative Yuan will be able to actively partner with the World Taiwan Foundation to create new ideas that allow Taiwan to shine on the international stage.
Legislator Puma Shen welcomed the delegation and mentioned that Taiwan’s difficult diplomatic situation highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and NGOs. Legislator Shen also said that the valuable experience the World Taiwan Foundation has accumulated in aiding Ukraine can serve as a good reference for Taiwan. He also hoped to open up more opportunities for collaboration and communication between the government and the private sector through such NGO projects.
Legislator Chang Chi-Kai praised the World Taiwan Foundation for demonstrating both compassion and a great capacity to take action. The foundation has sent supplies to Ukraine, Poland, and Syria, showcasing the kindness that Taiwan has to offer to the world. He thanked the foundation for its contributions in enhancing Taiwan’s international visibility and welcomed friends from the World Taiwan Association to come back to Taiwan often. Legislator Chang further stated that the Legislative Yuan will give its full support and assistance to contribute to the foundation’s welfare activities.
During the discussion, the Vice President of the World Taiwan Association Danny Chen, Associate Director Chiang Kuan-Yu, Secretary-General of the Asia Pacific Region Lei Tsu-Hsuan, and Consultant Jack Huang described and shared their experiences on projects such as the “UN GO!” global training project, the World Health Organization Medical Diplomacy Initiative, and the Sustainable Action Office. Chief Executive Director of the World Taiwan Foundation John Lin shared the successful experience of the foundation’s East Africa Center, established in Uganda. Taking this as an example, he hoped that the Legislative Yuan can provide more support and assist in connecting African projects with domestic resources to achieve synergistic effects. In doing so, such projects can become one of the driving forces in advancing Taiwan’s diplomatic relations with Africa. Chief Executive Officer Lin also expressed his hope that legislators can visit Africa in person, as this would underline the importance they attach to the continent and further amplify Taiwan's influence in the region.
Lastly, President Han expressed his deep gratitude for the generous help offered by overseas compatriots to Taiwanese travelers facing emergencies abroad, since the government sometimes is unable to assist them immediately. President Han added that he and Vice President Chiang attach great importance to parliamentary diplomacy. For instance, relevant budgets for the Department of International Affairs have been expanded, and legislators have been encouraged to participate in more overseas visits while the Legislative Yuan is in recess, aiming to elevate the international profile of Taiwan through parliamentary diplomacy. President Han stressed that cultivating talents plays an essential role for the nation’s long-term development. He hoped that through various training programs, the next generation of Taiwanese youths will embrace the world and thoroughly participate in international organizations and global affairs.
The visit lasted about an hour, and the atmosphere was friendly and pleasant. After exchanging commemorative gifts and taking group photos, the meeting was concluded on a high note.