Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
ROC (Taiwan)
August 12, 2026
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Your Excellency Dr. Robert Lewis, Ambassador of Saint Lucia;
Your Excellency Donya Francis, Ambassador of Saint Christopher and Nevis;
Mr. Sithembiso Gama, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Kingdom of Eswatini;
Mr. Elroy Wilson, Minister Counsellor of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
Mr. Pan Chun-jen, President of the Taiwan International Youth Ambassador Association;
Faculty and staff members of Ming Chuan University;
Dear international youth ambassadors and campus ambassadors;
Colleagues and friends:
Good morning!
It is a great pleasure to join you as we send off our international youth ambassadors and present certificates to our TaiwanICDF campus ambassadors.
Seeing so many talented and passionate young people here today gives me great confidence in the future of Taiwan.
I often say that “everyone is a diplomat.” Diplomacy today is no longer the work of professional diplomats alone. Under our integrated diplomacy policy, we leverage Taiwan’s strengths in such areas as democracy, technology, culture, and economic development. We work with partners around the world to create shared value and jointly contribute to the international community.
Each of you plays an important role in this effort. This year, the international youth ambassadors will embark on meaningful journeys. One delegation will travel to Palau. For the first time, we have invited young drone specialists to join the program. We are combining technology with youth diplomacy to demonstrate Taiwan’s innovation and creativity.
The other delegation will visit our diplomatic allies in the Caribbean to strengthen friendships through cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges. Members of the Taiwan International Youth Ambassador Association will also participate, allowing them to pass on the experience and spirit of previous programs.
The TaiwanICDF campus ambassadors will undertake a different but equally important journey. They will experience firsthand how Taiwan works with its partners and local communities.
You will discover that diplomacy does not always take place under the limelight. Some of Taiwan’s most meaningful contributions happen quietly—in a field, a clinic, a classroom, or a local community. Through long-term partnerships and mutual trust, Taiwan works with its friends to improve lives, strengthen resilience, and share prosperity.
To all of our young ambassadors, I would like to offer a few words of encouragement.
First, be confident. When you go abroad, you represent Taiwan—a free, democratic, innovative, and open society.
Second, be humble. Listen carefully, respect different cultures, and learn from the people you meet. True friendship begins with mutual understanding.
Third, be creative. Use your own talents, perspectives, and experiences to tell Taiwan’s story and show the world what makes Taiwan special.
Youth ambassadors are lifelong ambassadors for Taiwan. I am confident that this journey will be just the beginning of your engagement with the world. Take Taiwan with you, make friends abroad, and bring back a piece of the world with you.
May you all have a safe, successful, and rewarding journey. I look forward to hearing your stories when you return. I congratulate and thank each and every one of you.