立法院韓國瑜院長出席「2024年東亞民主論壇」開幕典禮 韓國瑜：台灣與民主夥伴持續為落實自由民主價值而努力 (President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han attends the opening ceremony of the 2024 East Asia Democracy Forum. President Han: Taiwan and its democratic partners continue to strive for the realization of the values of freedom and democracy.)
On the morning of October 16, President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han, in his capacity as Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 East Asia Democracy Forum held at the Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei. Distinguished guests at the event included Executive Director of the Mongolian Women’s Fund (MONES) Agni Baljinnyam, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Executive Director Liao Da-Chi and Deputy Executive Director Lu Yeh-Chung, Executive Officer Yeh Shou-Shan of the Legislative Yuan, Associate Professor Wei Bai-Ku of the Graduate Institute of Russian Studies and Associate Professor Wang Yun of the Graduate Institute of East Asian Studies at National Chengchi University, Research Fellow and Executive Editor at the Prospect Foundation J. Michael Cole, Regional Director of the Asia Centre Dr. James Gomez, and Undarya Tumursukh from the International Rescue Committee, as well as democracy advocates and representatives from civil society organizations around the world. The event was marked by a lively atmosphere.
韓院長致詞時首先表示，他代表「臺灣民主基金會」歡迎各位貴賓參加「2024年東亞民主論壇」。韓院長指出，此論壇距離上次2019年實體辦理，已有5年之久，過去幾年因為COVID-19疫情影響，許多國際會議及活動皆改為線上辦理，大家無法相見交流，甚為可惜。疫情逐漸趨緩後，大家又可歡聚一堂，今日得以與各位面對面相見，深感榮幸、非常開心。
In his speech, President Han first expressed that, on behalf of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, he welcomed all the distinguished guests to the 2024 East Asia Democracy Forum. President Han noted that it had been five years since the forum was last held in person in 2019. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, many international conferences and events were conducted online. He regretted that people were unable to meet and interact in person. However, now that the pandemic has gradually subsided, everyone can once again come together. He added that it was a great honor and joy to meet with all of the guests face-to-face today.
韓院長繼表示，「東亞民主論壇」一直扮演積極關鍵的角色來維繫亞洲的公民社會網絡。透過每年持續舉辦執委會、國際研討會、工作坊等活動，推廣亞洲的自由民主，讓各國民主實務工作者能夠擁有對話交流、分享經驗以及培力公民社會的溝通平台。這個論壇從2014年創立至今年已經10年了，始終堅持這份民主信念及價值。
President Han further stated that the East Asia Democracy Forum has always played an active and crucial role in sustaining the civil society network in Asia. By continuously organizing executive committee meetings, international conferences, workshops, and other activities each year, the forum promotes freedom and democracy in Asia, providing a platform for democracy practitioners from various countries to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and empower civil society. The forum, founded in 2014, has now reached its 10th anniversary, steadfastly upholding its commitment to democratic ideals and values.
韓院長續謂，過去幾年來，東亞地區和全球其他各地一樣，民主的秩序及價值深受新冠疫情、境外勢力及數位科技等干擾，但是人民仍對民主抱持信念，各國公民社會擁有源源不絕的能量，所以可以一再度過各種難關。院長強調，大家今日能再次相聚也絕非偶然，這是各國包含台灣的公民社會合作捍衛民主所展現出的具體成果。
President Han continued, noting that in recent years, East Asia, much like other regions worldwide, has seen its democratic order and values profoundly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign interference, and digital technology. Nevertheless, the enduring commitment to democracy among the people, coupled with the inexhaustible vitality of civil society across nations, has empowered them to surmount these adversities time and again. President Han emphasized that today's reunion is no mere coincidence; it is the tangible result of collaborative efforts by civil societies in various countries, including Taiwan, to defend and uphold democracy.
韓院長提及，台灣的民主成就有目共睹，全球各大專業智庫皆給予台灣民主高度評價。首先，美國重要非營利智庫「自由之家」(Freedom House)在「2024年全球自由報告」中指出，雖然台灣深受境外勢力影響，但在「政治權利」面向上獲得38分、「公民自由」方面則高達56分，總分共94分，持續獲評為自由國家，在亞洲排名第2，僅次於日本。再者，瑞典哥德堡大學的「多元民主中心」(V-Dem)發表的「2024年民主報告」，指出台灣在2023年的「自由民主指數」中，排名全世界第31位，也是僅次於日本、排名亞洲第2。
President Han mentioned that Taiwan's democratic achievements are widely recognized, with major professional think tanks around the world highly praising Taiwan's democracy. First, the prominent American nonprofit think tank Freedom House, in its "Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report," pointed out that although Taiwan is significantly affected by foreign influences, it achieved a score of 38 in "political rights" and an impressive 56 in "civil liberties," resulting in a total score of 94. Taiwan continues to be classified as a free country, ranking second in Asia, just behind Japan. Furthermore, the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at the University of Gothenburg, in its Democracy Report 2024, stated that Taiwan ranked 31st globally in the liberal democracy index (LDI) for 2023, making it the second in Asia, just behind Japan.
韓院長肯定道，由於台灣的民主成就如此亮眼，自由民主價值已深植在人們心中，且社會具備高度強韌度。在疫情期間，台灣人民堅守各種防疫秩序，並展現高度的媒體識讀能力，讓各種不實的疫情謠言不攻自破，且社會中各單位都各司其職，展現出高度的社會韌性，就是為了守護家園，讓我們盡速脫離疫情陰霾。
President Han affirmed that Taiwan's remarkable democratic achievements have deeply rooted the values of liberal democracy in the hearts of the people, resulting in a society with a high degree of resilience. During the pandemic, the people of Taiwan adhered to various health protocols and demonstrated a high level of media literacy, effectively debunking numerous false rumors about the virus. Different sectors of society each fulfilled their roles, showcasing significant social resilience in their efforts to protect their homeland and swiftly emerge from the shadow of the pandemic.
韓院長期許道，今年論壇的主題為「強化民主韌性」，盼民主在面臨當今境外勢力及新興科技等新挑戰之際，仍舊能屹立不搖。希望透過辦理此次論壇，團結區域的民主夥伴，共同面對境外勢力脅迫挑戰，討論當今新興科技問題，並一起腦力激盪探尋解決方針。
President Han expressed his hope that this year's forum, themed "Strengthening Democratic Resilience," will ensure that democracy remains steadfast in the face of contemporary challenges posed by external forces and emerging technologies. He expressed the hope that this forum would unite regional democratic partners to collectively confront the coercion from external forces, discuss contemporary issues related to emerging technologies, and engage in brainstorming sessions to explore solutions.
韓院長最後再次強調，他身為「臺灣民主基金會」的董事長，感謝所有貴賓百忙之中撥空出席今年的「東亞民主論壇」，在座的大家都是首屈一指的專家，透過對話必定能夠迸出更多美麗的花朵，並且收穫滿滿，他向所有「臺灣民主基金會」的夥伴致謝，更祝福論壇圓滿成功，與會貴賓身體健康，萬事如意。隨後韓院長與現場貴賓合影留念後，東亞民主論壇一系列活動旋即展開。
In closing, President Han reiterated that as the Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, he is grateful to all the distinguished guests for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend this year's East Asia Democracy Forum. Everyone present is a leading expert in their field, and through dialogue, he believes that even more beautiful ideas will emerge and fruitful outcomes will be achieved. He extended his thanks to all the partners of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and wished for the forum's great success, as well as good health and all the best to the attending guests. Following this, President Han took a group photo with the distinguished guests, after which a series of activities for the East Asia Democracy Forum commenced.
立法院韓國瑜院長於本(10月16)日上午以「臺灣民主基金會」董事長身分，出席假台北福華飯店舉辦之「2024年東亞民主論壇」開幕典禮，現場貴賓包括「蒙古婦女基金會」（MONES）阿格尼．巴勒金尼業姆執行長、「臺灣民主基金會」廖達琪執行長、盧業中副執行長、立法院葉壽山編審、國立政治大學俄羅斯研究所魏百谷副教授、東亞研究所王韻副教授、「遠景基金會」寇謐將研究員兼執行編輯、「亞洲中心」（Asia Centre）詹姆士．戈梅茲區域主任、「國際救援委員會」Undarya Tumursukh成員，以及來自世界各地的民主倡議者與公民社會組織等團體代表皆應邀與會，場面熱烈。
On the morning of October 16, President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han, in his capacity as Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 East Asia Democracy Forum held at the Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei. Distinguished guests at the event included Executive Director of the Mongolian Women’s Fund (MONES) Agni Baljinnyam, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Executive Director Liao Da-Chi and Deputy Executive Director Lu Yeh-Chung, Executive Officer Yeh Shou-Shan of the Legislative Yuan, Associate Professor Wei Bai-Ku of the Graduate Institute of Russian Studies and Associate Professor Wang Yun of the Graduate Institute of East Asian Studies at National Chengchi University, Research Fellow and Executive Editor at the Prospect Foundation J. Michael Cole, Regional Director of the Asia Centre Dr. James Gomez, and Undarya Tumursukh from the International Rescue Committee, as well as democracy advocates and representatives from civil society organizations around the world. The event was marked by a lively atmosphere.
韓院長致詞時首先表示，他代表「臺灣民主基金會」歡迎各位貴賓參加「2024年東亞民主論壇」。韓院長指出，此論壇距離上次2019年實體辦理，已有5年之久，過去幾年因為COVID-19疫情影響，許多國際會議及活動皆改為線上辦理，大家無法相見交流，甚為可惜。疫情逐漸趨緩後，大家又可歡聚一堂，今日得以與各位面對面相見，深感榮幸、非常開心。
In his speech, President Han first expressed that, on behalf of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, he welcomed all the distinguished guests to the 2024 East Asia Democracy Forum. President Han noted that it had been five years since the forum was last held in person in 2019. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, many international conferences and events were conducted online. He regretted that people were unable to meet and interact in person. However, now that the pandemic has gradually subsided, everyone can once again come together. He added that it was a great honor and joy to meet with all of the guests face-to-face today.
韓院長繼表示，「東亞民主論壇」一直扮演積極關鍵的角色來維繫亞洲的公民社會網絡。透過每年持續舉辦執委會、國際研討會、工作坊等活動，推廣亞洲的自由民主，讓各國民主實務工作者能夠擁有對話交流、分享經驗以及培力公民社會的溝通平台。這個論壇從2014年創立至今年已經10年了，始終堅持這份民主信念及價值。
President Han further stated that the East Asia Democracy Forum has always played an active and crucial role in sustaining the civil society network in Asia. By continuously organizing executive committee meetings, international conferences, workshops, and other activities each year, the forum promotes freedom and democracy in Asia, providing a platform for democracy practitioners from various countries to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and empower civil society. The forum, founded in 2014, has now reached its 10th anniversary, steadfastly upholding its commitment to democratic ideals and values.
韓院長續謂，過去幾年來，東亞地區和全球其他各地一樣，民主的秩序及價值深受新冠疫情、境外勢力及數位科技等干擾，但是人民仍對民主抱持信念，各國公民社會擁有源源不絕的能量，所以可以一再度過各種難關。院長強調，大家今日能再次相聚也絕非偶然，這是各國包含台灣的公民社會合作捍衛民主所展現出的具體成果。
President Han continued, noting that in recent years, East Asia, much like other regions worldwide, has seen its democratic order and values profoundly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign interference, and digital technology. Nevertheless, the enduring commitment to democracy among the people, coupled with the inexhaustible vitality of civil society across nations, has empowered them to surmount these adversities time and again. President Han emphasized that today's reunion is no mere coincidence; it is the tangible result of collaborative efforts by civil societies in various countries, including Taiwan, to defend and uphold democracy.
韓院長提及，台灣的民主成就有目共睹，全球各大專業智庫皆給予台灣民主高度評價。首先，美國重要非營利智庫「自由之家」(Freedom House)在「2024年全球自由報告」中指出，雖然台灣深受境外勢力影響，但在「政治權利」面向上獲得38分、「公民自由」方面則高達56分，總分共94分，持續獲評為自由國家，在亞洲排名第2，僅次於日本。再者，瑞典哥德堡大學的「多元民主中心」(V-Dem)發表的「2024年民主報告」，指出台灣在2023年的「自由民主指數」中，排名全世界第31位，也是僅次於日本、排名亞洲第2。
President Han mentioned that Taiwan's democratic achievements are widely recognized, with major professional think tanks around the world highly praising Taiwan's democracy. First, the prominent American nonprofit think tank Freedom House, in its "Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report," pointed out that although Taiwan is significantly affected by foreign influences, it achieved a score of 38 in "political rights" and an impressive 56 in "civil liberties," resulting in a total score of 94. Taiwan continues to be classified as a free country, ranking second in Asia, just behind Japan. Furthermore, the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at the University of Gothenburg, in its Democracy Report 2024, stated that Taiwan ranked 31st globally in the liberal democracy index (LDI) for 2023, making it the second in Asia, just behind Japan.
韓院長肯定道，由於台灣的民主成就如此亮眼，自由民主價值已深植在人們心中，且社會具備高度強韌度。在疫情期間，台灣人民堅守各種防疫秩序，並展現高度的媒體識讀能力，讓各種不實的疫情謠言不攻自破，且社會中各單位都各司其職，展現出高度的社會韌性，就是為了守護家園，讓我們盡速脫離疫情陰霾。
President Han affirmed that Taiwan's remarkable democratic achievements have deeply rooted the values of liberal democracy in the hearts of the people, resulting in a society with a high degree of resilience. During the pandemic, the people of Taiwan adhered to various health protocols and demonstrated a high level of media literacy, effectively debunking numerous false rumors about the virus. Different sectors of society each fulfilled their roles, showcasing significant social resilience in their efforts to protect their homeland and swiftly emerge from the shadow of the pandemic.
韓院長期許道，今年論壇的主題為「強化民主韌性」，盼民主在面臨當今境外勢力及新興科技等新挑戰之際，仍舊能屹立不搖。希望透過辦理此次論壇，團結區域的民主夥伴，共同面對境外勢力脅迫挑戰，討論當今新興科技問題，並一起腦力激盪探尋解決方針。
President Han expressed his hope that this year's forum, themed "Strengthening Democratic Resilience," will ensure that democracy remains steadfast in the face of contemporary challenges posed by external forces and emerging technologies. He expressed the hope that this forum would unite regional democratic partners to collectively confront the coercion from external forces, discuss contemporary issues related to emerging technologies, and engage in brainstorming sessions to explore solutions.
韓院長最後再次強調，他身為「臺灣民主基金會」的董事長，感謝所有貴賓百忙之中撥空出席今年的「東亞民主論壇」，在座的大家都是首屈一指的專家，透過對話必定能夠迸出更多美麗的花朵，並且收穫滿滿，他向所有「臺灣民主基金會」的夥伴致謝，更祝福論壇圓滿成功，與會貴賓身體健康，萬事如意。隨後韓院長與現場貴賓合影留念後，東亞民主論壇一系列活動旋即展開。
In closing, President Han reiterated that as the Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, he is grateful to all the distinguished guests for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend this year's East Asia Democracy Forum. Everyone present is a leading expert in their field, and through dialogue, he believes that even more beautiful ideas will emerge and fruitful outcomes will be achieved. He extended his thanks to all the partners of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and wished for the forum's great success, as well as good health and all the best to the attending guests. Following this, President Han took a group photo with the distinguished guests, after which a series of activities for the East Asia Democracy Forum commenced.