The Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan is helping strengthen relations with Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies in the region and enhance the nation’s international visibility, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Oct. 18.
Chen made the remarks while receiving the 27 PILP participants from 10 countries—including ROC diplomatic allies Kiribati, Nauru, Palau and Solomon Islands—at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
Organized by the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Hawaii-based East-West Center, PILP was initiated in 2012 and designed to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow by hosting courses and offering activities such as field trips, seminars and workshops for the region’s bright young talents. The program is set to be extended to 2022 when the MOFA and EWC sign a new agreement at a ceremony scheduled for Oct. 25 in Taipei.
From Sept. 25 to Oct. 25, PILP participants are attending events designed to explore such topics as community development, disaster management, education, environmental protection, green energy, health care, indigenous culture, industry revitalization, international cooperation, nongovernmental organizations and vocational training. Describing those taking part in the program as future leaders, Chen expressed hope that their experiences in Taiwan will help inspire them to support the country internationally.
Taiwan and Pacific island nations share overlapping interests in areas spanning climate change, environmental protection, regional security and sustainable development, Chen said. ROC allies in the region have voiced unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Assembly, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, he added.
To further strengthen diplomatic relations and foster friendships, Chen said President Tsai Ing-wen will depart Oct. 28 on an eight-day trip to ROC diplomatic allies Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. This will be her first state visit to these partners in the South Pacific.