Opening remarks by Deputy Minister François Chih-Chung Wu at the International Cultural Fellowship Night held by the 2024 Taipei Rotary Institute

Opening remarks by Deputy Minister François Chih-Chung Wu at the International Cultural Fellowship Night held by the 2024 Taipei Rotary Institute

• Data Source：Department of NGO International Affairs
• Date：2024-11-30

François Chih Chung Wu

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

November 30, 2024

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good evening!

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), I extend a very warm welcome to you all, especially our guests from overseas.

Rotary International is an international nongovernmental organization that holds general consultative status within the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Its efforts to eliminate poverty, promote quality education, empower women, pursue environmental sustainability, and foster peace and development around the world have set a model for all NGOs.

RI members across Taiwan have consistently worked hard and dedicated resources to enhance international awareness of Taiwan and build partnerships with RI members abroad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they embodied the spirit of Taiwan can help by providing other countries with essential medical resources and humanitarian aid. I would like to express my earnest appreciation for all your efforts.

In June 2026, Taiwan will have the honor of hosting the Rotary International Convention for the first time since 1994, welcoming over 30,000 participants from more than 150 countries. I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership of Rotary International for all the support, as well as to the Rotary members in Taiwan for their commitment to hosting such a prestigious event and creating this opportunity to deepen our global engagement.

Moreover, the Rotary Youth Exchange program provides a platform for young ambassadors to engage in cultural exchange and enhance mutual understanding. I always urge youth from Taiwan to broaden their horizons and make friends with people from around the world. Likewise, I encourage youth from overseas to come here to experience the cultural diversity, warm hospitality, and scenic beauty of Taiwan.

As an indispensable member of the international community, Taiwan is promoting integrated diplomacy to foster deeper bilateral ties and shared prosperity with other countries. Moreover, Taiwan is doing its part to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As a force for good, Taiwan is always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Taiwan will continue to leverage its soft power to promote public diplomacy and encourage domestic NGOs to contribute to the region and the world.

Taiwan stands for peace. It seeks to join the international community in addressing global challenges. The Rotary motto of "service above self" and the spirit of Taiwan can help complement each other, allowing us to work hand in hand for the betterment of the world.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone for all your efforts. To our overseas guests, I hope you will leave Taiwan with fond memories, and I wish you a safe journey home. Thank you.