Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 29, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
(致歡迎詞)
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted to welcome you all to the closing ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Islands Leadership Program. The presence of so many esteemed guests not only enhances the significance of this event, it also underscores the robust bonds of friendship that we share in our joint efforts to advance development and prosperity in the Pacific region. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my IDIA colleagues and the dedicated team at the East-West Center. Your contributions have been instrumental in bringing this program to fruition.
(PILP計畫的背景及構想)
The PILP is a visionary Taiwan-US initiative that gives participants a greater understanding of key issues and trends affecting the Pacific region. The program was born of a desire to collaborate with Pacific island nations on issues such as the environment, economic development, peace, security, and education.
Dr. Kurt Campbell, former US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs and current deputy assistant to the president and National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, spearheaded the initial proposal. Dr. Rajiv Shah, then administrator of the US Agency for International Development, also helped solidify the concept into a framework for multilateral cooperation.
(PILP計畫的實現及成果)
The PILP became a reality when the IDIA and the East-West Center signed a memorandum of understanding in Taipei in December 2012.
Since its inception, the program has allowed 157 individuals to immerse themselves in the languages, cultures, societies, democratic systems, and diplomatic endeavors of both Taiwan and the United States. Today, we celebrate 19 new graduates, who will be the leaders of tomorrow and the driving force behind further cooperation.
(台灣對太平洋地區的貢獻及願景)
In recent years, Pacific island nations have faced both internal and external challenges. As a key stakeholder in the region, Taiwan is deeply invested in the well-being of its partners and committed to working with them to defend democracy and freedom against authoritarian expansionism.
Taiwan’s assistance in the Pacific region is founded on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Over the years, Taiwan has worked with its Pacific allies to achieve remarkable results in domains such as infrastructure, public health, education, clean energy, ICT, agriculture, fisheries, and coast guard cooperation. We are also working together to further promote talent cultivation, women’s empowerment, and civil society development.
And this year, Taiwan and its four Pacific allies have established a just transition fund to strengthen cooperation on climate adaptation. We are all one family, and we must protect our shared environment. Taiwan will continue to collaborate with like-minded nations to enhance the resilience and development of Pacific island countries.
(結語:祝福學員)
This year’s PILP has now concluded. I extend a heartfelt congratulations to our new graduates! I am confident that you will return home with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will lay the foundation for future achievements. As you embark on your next adventure, I wish you the best of health and every success. Thank you!