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 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.

President Ford Fu-Te LIAO

As a long-time scholar of international human rights law, I deeply appreciate the mutual dependence between democratic consolidation and human rights protection. The wishes to pursue democracy and safeguard human rights are deeply embedded within Taiwan’s society and legal system, as well as in the daily life of the people. Taiwan's many democratic achievements today are the results of not only the hard work and sacrifice from those who came before us, but also the selfless assistance from many international friends. Over the past three decades, fundamental rights have been relatively guaranteed, and international human rights standards have been introduced to Taiwan through collaborative efforts between civil society and government. 

Nevertheless, the institutionalization and deepening of democracy and human rights values requires long-term accumulation, profound reflection, and continuous enhancement. Looking at the course of history and international experience, the implementation of democratic institutions and human rights concepts is like skating on thin ice. No matter how many complex mechanisms are utilized to carefully maintain a democratic system, it will rapidly regress if ever we drop our guard. Therefore, all stakeholders must be persistent in our work to deepen democracy, as well as to cultivate awareness and sensitivity, so that we will be ready to respond during critical periods. 

The TFD promises to continue to consolidate and expand the values alliance of democracy and human rights. We will work side by side with human rights defenders in difficult situations, strengthen cooperation with our partners, and foster a new generation of democracy activists. We hope to join hands with friends in all sectors at home and abroad to safeguard democracy, promoting and protecting human rights for all.