Taiwan youth ambassadors named for WHA delegation

2015-05-08

The members of a special youth ambassador corps accompanying Taiwan’s observer delegation to the World Health Assembly was announced May 6 by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The five representatives are Christine Kao from National Chung Cheng University, Howard Lee from Taipei Medical University, Cathy Lu from National Tsing Hua University, Tseng Pei-chi from National Taiwan University and Isabelle Wang from National Cheng Chi University.

The group was selected for the May 15-26 trip to Geneva from 1,154 youth ambassadors engaged in cultural exchanges over the past seven years in 61 countries and territories worldwide.

Presdient Ma Ying-jeou congratulated the group during a special ceremony at MOFA headquarters. “This is a rare privilege for these students to represent Taiwan in WHA-related functions,” he said.

“As a result of viable diplomacy, Taiwan has taken part as an observer in the WHA since 2009. I am optimistic that our young people will make the most of this opportunity to enhance the country’s profile in the international arena.”

Echoing Ma’s remarks, MOFA Minister David Lin said the International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program has paid handsome dividends for Taiwan. “This inititiative is proving popular with local tertiary students and the people of the host nations.

“The ambassadors enhance global awareness of Taiwan’s roles in global cultural exchanges, humanitarian aid, peacemaking, technological innovation, trade and business, as well as upholding the legacy of Chinese civilization.”

Launched in 2009, the annual program encourages the youth of Taiwan to apply their diverse talents and skills to such areas as cross-cultural communication and international relations.

The ambassadors travel to four or five nations in each of the continents maintaing diplomatic relations or friendly exchanges with the ROC. The trips involve forums, cultural performance presentations, and visits to government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

“We expect the program to continue going forward and lay the foundation for greater exchanges between the youth of Taiwan and their counterparts abroad,” Lin said.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=230135&ctNode=413)