Chairman Su, Jia-Chyuan

In January 2003, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) was founded under the initiative of the former President Chen Shui-Bian, and the idea was proactively pushed forward by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and enjoyed unanimous support of the Legislative Yuan. TFD is not only our first national democracy foundation domestically but also the very first national foundation in the whole region of Asia which aims to promote democracy worldwide. 

The importance of the establishment of TFD lies in expressing our gratitude and returning the favor to countries and peoples around the world which had provided support and assistance during the period of democratization in Taiwan. Now, after a few times of party turnover, Taiwan is gradually marching on to a mature democratic country where freedom, democracy, human rights and justice have become the very core values and assets her citizens could feel most proud of. 

In the near future, not only will we persist walking down on the road of democratic reforms, but also are willing to perform our duties and to share our valuable experiences to the international society without holding anything back in order to spread our democratic experiences and human rights ideas to every corner of the world. 

TFD has been established for more than a decade now. I, together with TFD's Members of the Board and staff, shall continue to reach out and open Taiwan's doors to the world for promoting democracy and human rights. Taiwan will continue to for democracy promotion.

Vice Chairman David Tawei Lee

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 Information Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and numerous overseas missions. 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.

President Hsu, Szu-chien

Human history has no fixed trajectory, and democracy does not fall from the sky. Established democracies may be destroyed, and complacent democracies may be hollowed out from within. However, democracy has become a core tenet of human civilization. Therefore, the defense, deepening, and expansion of this civilization are the common responsibility of humanity, and these are also the core missions of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

Democracy can be thought of as a political system or as a way of life. It can be understood or interpreted in various ways. Nonetheless, no matter how we perceive it, suppression of freedom, infringements of human rights, autocracy or dictatorship, and violations of public interest must not be indulged or tolerated, since such acts will corrode the foundations of all forms of democracy. Just as Taiwan's democracy was not easily achieved, the global expansion of democracy has been beset by obstacles and difficulties. Moreover, since the process of Taiwan's democratization was assisted by friends from many other countries around the world, Taiwan cannot shirk the responsibility to assist democratization in other countries. The struggle between democracy and autocracy is both a contest of strength and a competition among values. The TFD is willing to serve in the vanguard of this struggle.

Democracy is the consensus of Taiwanese society, and the founding spirit of the Republic of China. Although Taiwan already possesses a democratic constitutional framework, there are many immature or defective aspects in our actual practice of democracy. Deepening and strengthening our democratic system through institutional reform and innovation, as well as broadening our pluralistic ideals of democracy, require efforts from all sectors of society. The TFD is willing to work together with Taiwanese civil society, academia, political parties, media, and government institutions; at the same time, we will form partnerships with global and regional democratic forces. Together, we will strive to build a more robust and expansive future for democracy!