Taiwan's international aid legacy shines on the global stage! The International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) officially marks its 30th anniversary this year and will host a celebration on July 1st. To commemorate this monumental milestone, heads of state, government ministers from allied nations, domestic and international partners, and frontline project beneficiaries from across the globe have come together to deliver nearly 180 congratulatory video messages.

The connection between President Santiago Peña of the Republic of Paraguay, who just concluded a state visit to Taiwan in May, and the TaiwanICDF, dates back to 1999. At just 21 years old, President Peña traveled to Taiwan to attend an SME management seminar organized by the TaiwanICDF. Today, as head of state, President Peña specially commended the TaiwanICDF in his video for its long-standing and critical contributions to Paraguay’s education system and overall development, praising the organization as a deeply trusted and vital partner to Paraguay.

President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau, a Pacific ally of Taiwan, also highly lauded the TaiwanICDF’s long-term substantive assistance to Palau in his message. He expressed high expectations for both nations to continue fostering innovation, deepening their friendship, and jointly amplifying their global impact. Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini, who recently accompanied President Lai Ching-te during a bilateral official visit, praised the TaiwanICDF’s significant contributions to women’s economic empowerment, underscoring the rock-solid diplomatic bond between Taiwan and Eswatini.

In addition, prominent global leaders and high-ranking dignitaries—including Tuvalu Governor-General Tofiga Vaevalu Falani and Rossana Briceño, the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children and Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize—joined the ranks to extend their congratulations.

The video also features heartfelt messages from frontline project beneficiaries. These include smallholder farmers in Latin American allied nations whose livelihoods were transformed by the TaiwanICDF Technical Missions, African medical professionals trained under the TaiwanICDF’s public health and medical initiatives, and international students supported by the TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program. They expressed their sincere gratitude to Taiwan and the TaiwanICDF with genuine smiles and warm words. Notably, many international students participating in the TaiwanICDF Mandarin Teaching Programs delivered their messages to the camera in fluent Mandarin.

Furthermore, prominent international partners—including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Food For The Poor (FFTP), the Stimson Center, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF)—also extended their congratulations through video. Domestically prominent figures also joined in, including Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling; Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director-General Yi-Chun Lo and Acer Medical Inc. Chairman Chia En Lien (both alumni of the first-ever batch of the Taiwan Diplomatic Medical Corps/Alternative Military Service under the TaiwanICDF); Taipei Veterans General Hospital Superintendent Wei-Ming Chen; MacKay Memorial Hospital Superintendent Wen-Han Chang; Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Superintendent Jaw-Yuan Wang; National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University President Chi-Hung Lin; National Chung Hsing University President Fuh-Jyh Jan; National Pingtung University of Science and Technology President Ching-Lung Chang; Kun Shan University President Tien-Shang Lee; and National Dong Hwa University President Hui-Mi Hsu.

TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Peifen Hsieh stated that over the past 30 years, the TaiwanICDF has left its footprints all over the world. Inheriting the dedication of early agricultural and medical missions, the organization continues to share Taiwan’s expertise in technology, agriculture, and healthcare with the world. These 180 messages are a testament to a pervasive sense of honor, trust, and responsibility. They signify that Taiwan has become an indispensable, trusted global partner capable of bringing positive change to the international community.

The TaiwanICDF Public Relations Office has categorized the approximately 180 congratulatory videos into eight thematic episodes, produced with both Chinese and English subtitles. These have been progressively rolled out on the TaiwanICDF’s Facebook and YouTube channels since late May. The video featuring heads of state and ministers released today serves as the grand finale of this series. Additionally, a full-length compilation of the 180 congratulatory messages, alongside a 30th-anniversary commemorative video featuring messages from President Lai Ching-te, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Fredrick Chien, will be officially screened during the anniversary celebration on July 1st.

【TaiwanICDF at 30: Shaping The Future Together - Congratulatory Video Series】：https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz2jrmWbojzkehz_XimqFUMQXKj56tcpo&si=kLQpx9lmu3w3Am3K

【Congratulatory Messages from Global Dignitaries for TaiwanICDF's 30th Anniversary】：https://youtube.com/shorts/riDzivUopyA

• Update: 2026/06/26
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