Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 18, 2025
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Your Excellency Anjanette Kattil, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
President Chung Shih-kai and Dean Tseng Jao-hsun of the National Taiwan University of Arts;
Faculty members of Ming Chuan University;
Dear youth ambassadors and colleagues:
Good afternoon!
These performances were brilliant and exciting. Watching them was truly inspirational.
Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) launched the International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program in 2009, more than 1,800 university and college students have participated. This year’s program has the theme “Building Youth Friendships Across the Pacific.” Taiwan and the host countries and territories are all located in the Pacific, sharing the ocean, an Austronesian heritage, and a commitment to democracy and sustainability. Through youth ambassador exchanges, we hope to further deepen the friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Pacific nations.
This year’s admission process was especially competitive. It is my understanding that the number of applications rose by 50 percent compared to last year, reaching 606, the highest figure since the pandemic. This meant that only 6.6 percent of applications were accepted. Those of you here today have thus shown outstanding language skills, cultural knowledge, and artistic talent. I extend my warmest congratulations to all 40 of you for being selected as this year’s youth ambassadors.
Since taking office, President Lai Ching-te has actively promoted the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, encouraging young people to step onto the global stage and broaden their horizons. As minister of foreign affairs, I have made investing in young diplomatic talent one of my top priorities. Therefore, we plan to double the budget for this program next year and increase the number of youth ambassadors. This will enable more youth to take part in diplomatic endeavors and serve as excellent spokespersons for Taiwan.
Having completed 16 days of intensive training, you will soon depart for Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, and Guam, embarking on a highly meaningful diplomatic journey. I have every confidence that with your talent, creativity, and passion, you will help people in the host countries and territories better understand and appreciate Taiwan, thereby further strengthening our friendships and exchanges with these places.
I am also pleased to share some wonderful news about a related project. On June 6 of this year, MOFA held a reunion for youth ambassadors at the Taipei Guest House, bringing together nearly 400 alumni to reminisce about their experiences. Under my encouragement, former participants are now working hard to establish the Taiwan International Youth Ambassadors Association. This will serve not only as a networking platform but also as a way to consolidate our shared passion for advancing Taiwan’s diplomacy. I hope that following your upcoming journey, you will join this association so as to further strengthen connections among youth ambassadors and fuel your interest in diplomatic affairs.
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the instructors who dedicated their time and expertise during the training period and to the organizer, Ming Chuan University, for its meticulous planning and thoughtful arrangements. Your contributions have made this experience both fruitful and unforgettable.
I wish you all a safe and successful journey. May you return with a great sense of achievement as well as wonderful memories. MOFA will always be proud of you. Now, let us give a warm round of applause to cheer on our soon-to-depart youth ambassadors! Thank you.