Empowering Youth Through Innovative Diplomacy Education
As the city with the largest youth population in Taiwan, New Taipei City is taking proactive steps to help young people connect with the international community. The New Taipei City Government Youth Department has launched the “International Youth Talent Development Program” with the aim of promoting international exchange and broadening young people’s global perspectives. This program reflects the department’s commitment to fostering international dialogue and enhancing global awareness, equipping the next generation with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a globalized world.
Building Global Connections
This summer, the New Taipei City Government Youth Department partnered with the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association (TDDA) to engage 60 university and high school students in professional lectures, cultural activities, and visits to historical sites and diplomatic offices within Taiwan. The program aims to empower youth to actively engage in cross-cultural exchange and contribute to Taiwan’s presence on the global stage. By welcoming students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including natural sciences, management, and education, the program ensures inclusivity and diversity in its approach to international education.
During the opening ceremony, Marcia Chiu, Commissioner of the New Taipei City Government Department of Youth, emphasized the program’s focus on developing young people’s interest in promoting urban diplomacy and cultural exchanges. The initiative is designed to inspire participants to view the city’s unique characteristics from a new perspective, encouraging them to become globally-minded leaders prepared to make a positive impact on society.
A Journey of Cultural and Mutual Understanding
Students participating in the program had the opportunity to explore significant historical sites in New Taipei City, including The Lin Family Mansion and Garden, Huangshi Market, and Songshan Cihui Temple. They engaged in cultural activities, tasted traditional delicacies, and learned about local customs and beliefs. Through interactions with international friends from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain, students not only improved their English communication skills but also gained a deeper understanding of their own culture and heritage.
Cheng, a student from Jinwen University of Science and Technology, expressed gratitude for the program’s workshops, which helped him develop communication skills and make friends with students from different backgrounds. Participants of the program shared their appreciation for gaining a new perspective on New Taipei City, recognizing its rich history and cultural significance beyond its tourist attractions.
Crafting New Bonds Through Cultural Diplomacy
In addition to exploring historical sites, students visited various embassy offices in Taiwan, where they presented proposals for forming sister-city relations between cities in Taiwan and other countries. The experience allowed students to apply their English communication and research skills while expanding their global awareness. The positive feedback from diplomats and officials highlighted the students’ knowledge and interest in international relations and cultural exchange.
Students also had the opportunity to visit foreign trade offices, where they learned about the functions and operations of these offices and engaged in discussions on cultural differences between Taiwan and other countries. Through hands-on cultural activities like Salsa dancing and Turkish mosaic lamp crafting, students experienced the fluidity and flexibility of diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of learning about foreign cultures and building connections through shared experiences.
The program concluded with students reflecting on the significance of people-to-people interactions in diplomacy and the importance of fostering mutual understanding and respect in international relations. By empowering young people to become citizen diplomats and ambassadors for Taiwan, the program aims to inspire a new generation of globally-minded individuals who can contribute positively to the world stage.
In conclusion, the International Youth Talent Development Program in New Taipei City is a shining example of innovative diplomacy education that empowers youth to engage with the international community, build global connections, and promote cultural understanding. Through hands-on experiences, cultural activities, and interactions with international peers, students gain valuable skills and perspectives that will benefit them in their future careers and personal growth. As Taiwan continues to strengthen its global presence, programs like these play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders and fostering a more interconnected and harmonious world.
