The 2018 International Elite Leadership Seminar kicked off July 2 in Taipei City, bringing together 23 participants from 10 countries in North Africa and West Asia to gain firsthand knowledge of Taiwan.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 10-day program comprises field trips, forums and workshops exploring topics spanning culture, cross-strait relations, environmental protection, foreign policy, humanitarian assistance, industrial development, and science and technology. This year’s attendees hail from countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates and work for businesses, government agencies and think tanks.
MOFA Vice Minister Jose Maria Liu said the IELS provides a great platform for talented young people to develop a deeper understanding of the nation while building networks with professionals from Taiwan and around the world. He encouraged participants to share their experiences upon returning home and help bolster connections between Taiwan and their countries.
Yousef Aljassar, an architect at the Ministry of Justice in Kuwait, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore diverse aspects of Taiwan’s culture and society. There is great potential for expanding mutually beneficial collaboration between Taiwan and his homeland, he said, adding that he hopes the program can help promote the expansion of bilateral ties.
According to the MOFA, six local students are also joining the IELS to offer their perspectives on Taiwan and broaden their international horizons. Local attendee Lawrence Niu, an undergraduate at Taipei-based National Chengchi University, said he is looking forward to sharing his knowledge of Taiwan’s history and culture while strengthening his understanding of foreign customs and societies.
IELS was launched in 2010 for students and professionals aged 20-40. According to the MOFA, this year’s group will visit sites including Taipei-headquartered National Palace Museum, National Center for Traditional Arts in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County and Taroko National Park in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan. (CPY-E)
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