2025-6-9

On May 27, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted the NGO Tea Party for over 100 representatives of international and local nongovernmental organizations working in various sectors.

In his remarks, Lin stressed that putting President Lai Ching-te’s visions of promoting values-based diplomacy and expanding the global reach of Taiwan’s businesses, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had initiated a policy of integrated diplomacy. Within this initiative, NGO diplomacy was an essential force in developing track-two connections between Taiwan and the world, Lin said.

Thanking the NGO partners for contributing their expertise and passion in different fields, Lin said they helped export Taiwan’s values of freedom and democracy, concepts of gender equality and sustainability, strengths in medicine and technology, advantages in economics and trade, and vitality in culture and sports. Lin added that NGOs leveraged the power of civic diplomacy to demonstrate Taiwan’s soft power and its value as a force for good in the world. 

Lin said he was committed to promoting Taiwan as a regional center for international NGOs. Pointing out that Taiwan had recently received the Beacon Award from Freedom House, Lin said this showed Taiwan was a mature, stable, and friendly democracy. MOFA would continue to encourage INGOs to set up offices in Taiwan, making the country a vital hub for exchange and cooperation. Through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Lin said Taiwan would continue to work with like-minded countries to create an international task force to achieve even more fruitful diplomatic results. 

The tea party started with a performance by MOFA’s youth ambassadors. Participants could also play a nine-square baseball game themed on integrated diplomacy to bring the policy to a wider audience. Lin noted that MOFA’s Department of NGO International Affairs was founded 25 years ago this year. He said he looked forward to collaborating closely with NGO Team Taiwan to promote diplomacy and jointly strengthen Taiwan’s international participation.