VP Hsiao praises Taiwan NGO achievements

2024/08/27

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim praised Taiwan nongovernmental organizations’ achievements Aug. 23 and said she hopes that the country’s friendship and diversity values will continue to spread across the international community to make the world a better place. 
 
Hsiao made the remarks when opening the “Taiwan Can Help—International Aid and Development Achievements Exhibition” at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City. Organized by the Taiwan Alliance in International Development (Taiwan AID), the event was attended by 27 NGOs and included areas spanning education, gender equality, environment and sustainable development, medical and humanitarian aid, as well as poverty alleviation and community development.
 
Taiwan has experienced many difficulties and diplomatic challenges in recent years, but it is the country’s goodwill and contributions that have earned warmth and encouragement from the global community, Hsiao said. She added that Taiwan NGOs have helped victims following earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Japan, and continue to assist international community members in agriculture, climate change, education, medical care and social justice, among other sectors.
Taiwan NGOs’ expertise and experience have received worldwide recognition, Hsiao said, adding that they reinforce the country’s resilience and international participation as Taiwan commits to promoting U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Hsiao expressed hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will strengthen cooperation with NGOs and overcome global challenges through public-private partnerships. In doing so, Taiwan demonstrates the importance of values-based diplomacy and offers further contributions as a force for good in the world, she said.
 
Following her remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang said the MOFA is committed to assisting the country’s NGOs to participate in international activities and implement global aid projects. In addition, the ministry encourages international NGOs to set up offices in Taiwan, he said, citing INGOs which have been established in Taiwan including the U.S. National Democratic Institute, the Czechia European Values Center for Security Policy and the Spain’s Safeguard Defenders.  
 
Tien then encouraged members of INGOs and NGOs in their continued manifestation of Taiwan’s sincerity and goodwill to the world, according to the MOFA.
 

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)