The Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan got underway Oct. 7 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding ties with partner countries in the region, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his opening remarks, Deputy Minister François Chihchung Wu said Taiwan is an ethnically diverse society with rich cultural and linguistic heritage. The country has close links across the Pacific, he said, citing the shared roots of local Indigenous languages, diets, tattoos and weaving with those of other Austronesian groups in the region.
Equally important, Wu said that all islands in the Pacific face the same climate change challenges and geopolitical tensions. Taiwan is committed to safeguarding regional security and helping its partners in areas spanning capacity building, environmental sustainability and democratic governance, Wu said, adding that the PILP logo, which is a sail, reflects the resilience and respect for nature held by Taiwan and fellow participants.
In response, Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil praised Taiwan’s involvement in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and called it an inspiration in democratic governance, economic development and environmental sustainability.
According to the MOFA, 21 participants from 10 countries and territories completed a multiweek session at the East-West Center in Honolulu prior to arriving in Taipei. During their stay, attendees will take part in courses on topics such as Austronesian studies, environmental sustainability, international politics, medicine and regional security.
The visitors will also call at the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Ocean Affairs Council and Changhua Christian Hospital, as well as take part in the Taipei International Electronics Show, Taiwan International AIoT Show and a forum hosted by the ministry and National Chengchi University.
PILP was proposed in 2011 by current U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. A total of 197 participants have taken part in the initiative since its formal launch in 2013. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News