Our Ideas Print
Chairman Si-Kun You
With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all major political parties, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) was established in 2003. Its basic purposes are to further consolidate Taiwan’s progress in democracy and human rights, as well as to demonstrate our appreciation for all the assistance Taiwan received from the international community during our democratization.
As the first national democracy assistance foundation in Asia, the TFD has flourished alongside the deepening of democracy here in Taiwan, organizing numerous international conferences and other events. Not only has it established linkages between Taiwan and global democratic community, but it has shared Taiwan’s successful experiences in the attainment of democracy and human rights as widely as possible.
Now that the TFD is completing its seventeenth year, our expectations are even higher. Since democracy is a universal value and a global trend, we must not only continue to share Taiwan’s experience, but also further strengthen our solidarity with like-minded people and countries. To address the challenges facing democracy today, we must work together to protect the ideals of human rights and freedom.
In order to realize democracy and human rights principles ever more deeply in Taiwan and the world, I will continuously strive, together with all our Board members and staff, to make the TFD a bastion for global democratic forces. On behalf of Taiwan, we will do our best to contribute to global democratic development.
Vice Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu
The Republic of China was the first country in Asia to achieve democracy. As such, elective government and respect for human rights have long been pillars of the nation, as well as cherished values of its people. In 2016, Taiwan witnessed three important milestones in its democratic development: the third change of governing party since the start of direct presidential elections, the first change of majority party in the Legislative Yuan, and the first election of a female president.
The economic progress and democratic transformation of Taiwan have produced a thriving civil society, with various NGOs actively participating in international events. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) has played a prominent role in the nation’s democratization. Since its establishment in 2003, the TFD has hosted and taken part in many seminars and international meetings and conferences on democracy and human rights. It has thereby served as a platform for exchanges between Taiwan and other democracies and civic groups.
In my time as a civil servant, I have worked at the Government Office of the President, Executive Yuan and Representative office in the United States. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have personally witnessed Taiwan’s evolution from authoritarianism to democracy, and from a one-party system to a free society that embraces different viewpoints. In this peaceful process, the core values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law gained further traction, as well as better protection. Indeed, throughout my 30-plus years of public service, my proudest moments have been when foreign friends have given a thumbs-up to Taiwan’s accomplishments in advancing democracy and developing civil society.
In my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is a great honor to concurrently serve as Vice Chairman of the TFD. I trust that the TFD and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work side by side to give the international community a better understanding of the Taiwan people’s pursuit of and commitment to freedom and democracy, and to encourage even more governments and peoples around the world to identify with and treasure these common values.
