TaiwanICDF 30th Anniversary: International Leaders Gather to Sign Joint Statement and Forge a New Era

(中央社訊息服務20260703 18:13:05)The International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) held its 30th anniversary international symposium, "TaiwanICDF at 30: Shaping the Future Together," along with a banquet on July 1 at The Grand Hotel in Taipei following the morning's anniversary ceremony.

The international symposium opened with remarks from Dr. Yu-Lin Huang, Secretary General of the TaiwanICDF. He stated that in an uncertain global environment, "the essence of development is ultimately about creating choices." He pointed out that when facing challenges such as climate change and rapid technological advancement, development can no longer be limited to economic growth. More importantly, through long-term investment in people and institutions, development helps partner countries build the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and foster autonomy. On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the TaiwanICDF reaffirms its commitment to investing in human capital, strengthening capabilities, and building resilient societies to co-create a sustainable future where more people, communities, and nations can determine their own destiny.

The first panel discussion, themed "Embracing the Prosperity Partnership Initiative: A New Path for Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development," was moderated by Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). Panelists included Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade of the Kingdom of Eswatini; Hon. Joaquín Barnoya, Minister of Public Health and Welfare of the Republic of Guatemala; H.E. Ambassador David Adams Orrukem of the Republic of Palau to Taiwan; Juliana Rubio, Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); and Alex L. J. Shyy, Deputy Secretary General of the TaiwanICDF. Together, they explored new pathways for Taiwan's international cooperation.

The second panel discussion, titled "Building Resilience with Diverse Partners: Driving Sustainable Prosperity through Innovative Approaches," was moderated by Juliana Rubio. Invitee panelists included Hans-Ludwig Bruns, Country Director for Indonesia and ASEAN at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); Andrea Kivi, CEO of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV); Razvan Albu, Principal of Telecommunications, Media and Technology at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Stan Shih, Founder of the Acer Group; and Peifen Hsieh, Deputy Secretary General of the TaiwanICDF. They shared insights on enhancing the development resilience of partner countries through cross-sectoral collaboration and digital innovation.

At the conclusion of the symposium, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi and the TaiwanICDF Secretary General Yu-Lin Huang, alongside ministers from allied nations, diplomatic envoys to Taiwan, and representatives from Official Development Assistance (ODA) institutions, international think tanks, the private sector, and international organizations, jointly signed "Investing in Resilient Prosperity: Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development". Serving as a call to action for like-minded partners, the statement reaffirms that in the face of challenges brought by technological advancement and climate change, all parties will continue to work hand-in-hand to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous sustainable future.

At the banquet, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-Lung highlighted Taiwan's premium agricultural and fishery products—namely eel and mangoes. A special dish prepared by the kitchen at The Grand Hotel, sticky rice with white eel and dates, was served. Minister Lin invited Minister Kaneko and Minister Barnoya to savor the dish together. The three raised a toast to celebrate the enduring and ever-fresh friendship between Taiwan and its allies. The two allied ministers personally taught the guests how to say "delicious" in Marshallese and Spanish, while Minister Lin enthusiastically responded with the Taiwanese phrase "Hó-chia̍h!" (delicious). Finally, the three ministers posed with some of Taiwan’s sweet mangoes, acting as ambassadors for local, high-quality produce and bringing the TaiwanICDF 30th anniversary celebration to a warm conclusion.