2025-7-25

This year's first cohort for a program that trains youth from allied countries arrived in Taiwan this week, and today (July 18) were personally greeted by the president.

The trainees—youth from Pacific ally nations the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu, and African ally nation Eswatini—are the latest cohort for the NT$10 billion Youth Overseas Dream Fund. The program is a cross-ministerial initiative jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, and implemented by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). The youths are in Taiwan for a two-week training program on smart agriculture and sustainable tourism. 

TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Peifen Hsieh today led the 24 participants to the Presidential Office, where they had the chance to meet President Lai Ching-te. President Lai specially prepared Taiwan’s famous Fu Hang Soy Milk breakfast for the guests and warmly encouraged the students, saying:

"Taiwan shares common ideals and values with Eswatini, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. We encourage our youth to step onto the global stage and also warmly welcome young people from our allied nations to come to Taiwan and realize their dreams."

He added:
"You all have a strong interest in smart agriculture and sustainable tourism. I believe this two-week training will yield great results. I also welcome you to deeply experience Taiwan’s culture and cuisine, and to get to know the Taiwanese people better. When you return home, don’t forget to bring with you our warmest regards to your kings, presidents, and prime ministers!"

During the meeting, President Lai presented each participant with a commemorative “Team Taiwan” T-shirt, symbolizing that although they come from different countries, they are all part of a team united by friendship.

President Lai said that the team spirit and perseverance Taiwan has shown in international baseball competitions are the same values he hopes to pass on to these young participants from allied nations. This warm exchange, transcending language and borders, showcases the charm of sports diplomacy and stands as a testament to Taiwan’s willingness to work hand-in-hand with youth from its allied countries to face the future together, he said.

In addition to classroom lectures, the training program includes visits to related government, industry, and academic institutions such as the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Sing-Nong Orchid Farm, Tianzhong Township Tourism Development Association in Changhua, and the Taomi Ecological Leisure Park, allowing students to gain practical insights into Taiwan’s smart agriculture and sustainable tourism development.

Participants expressed their excitement at being invited to join the program, and said they hoped to acquire professional knowledge, as well as to personally experience Taiwan’s vitality, innovation, and warmth.

Bongekile Nelile Maseko from Eswatini shared his thoughts, saying:

"This trip will involve more than training, it’s a journey that will help me fulfill my dreams. I can’t wait to see how Taiwan applies technology in agriculture and to learn how communities here advance toward sustainable development."

Lucky Lakjoin Laik from the Marshall Islands also commented that he was impressed by Taiwan’s development of its tourism industry. As a fellow islander, he looks forward to learning from Taiwan’s success and applying those lessons in his own country, he said.

Deputy Secretary General Hsieh said that the program reflects Taiwan’s commitment to the friendship it shares with its diplomatic allies, and enhances professional exchange and mutual understanding among international youth. She hopes all participants will gain much from the experience and bring their newfound knowledge back home to share with others.

The second cohort, involving participants from Latin America, will arrive in Taiwan this November, bringing this valuable opportunity to even more young people from allied nations.

Article courtesy of Taiwan ICDF