Remarks by Deputy Minister Chen Ming-Chi at the closing ceremony of the NGO Fellowship Program

Remarks by Deputy Minister Chen Ming-Chi at the closing ceremony of the NGO Fellowship Program

• Data Source：Department of NGO International Affairs
• Date：2025-11-07

Chen Ming-chi

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

November 7, 2025

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Ms. Rebecca Wang, Chairperson of the Taiwan Alliance in International Development;

Ms. Jennifer Steffensen, Public Diplomacy Officer of the American Institute in Taiwan;

Dear friends from nongovernmental organizations;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen:

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I warmly welcome you all as we mark the successful conclusion of the 2025 NGO Fellowship Program. I would like to thank Taiwan AID for organizing the program and Global Cooperation and Training Framework for cosponsoring it.

The inspiration for this meaningful initiative comes from the US Department of State Professional Fellows Program. Two years ago, Taiwan AID developed its own version after witnessing the positive impact that the PFP had made on Taiwanese NGOs. This collaboration demonstrates the depth of the Taiwan-US partnership, which is based on shared values.

In an increasingly complex world, NGOs magnify the work of governments and effectively deliver services. NGOs are also driving forces for social change and progress. They play a critical role in promoting economic development and human rights. MOFA has long supported Taiwanese NGOs at home and abroad. We also work closely with NGOs and international NGOs on development projects in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

I sincerely congratulate the 12 NGO professionals from 11 Southeast and South Asian countries who participated in this program. During the four weeks of workshops and activities, you shared your expertise in a range of domains-from health care, disability rights, and child protection to education, the media, and charity organizations. I hope that the insights and experience that you gained will inform the important work you do when you return home. And I look forward to seeing the fruits of these mutually beneficial exchanges in the years to come.

In closing, I once again express my gratitude to everyone here for their diligent efforts and valuable contributions. I wish the program participants every success and all of tonight's guests the very best of health and happiness. Thank you!