President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China delivered a video speech on December 8th for the “Celebration Tea Party for the 85th Anniversary of the US International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)”. In her speech, President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan will continue to collaborate with the United States and global democratic partners to contribute to peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and worldwide.
President Tsai’s video address at the “Celebration Tea Party for the 85th Anniversary of the US International Visitor Leadership Program” celebrated the milestone of the IVLP and expressed her honor in extending sincere greetings as an alumna.
Back in 2004, when serving as a legislator, President Tsai participated in the IVLP program recommended by the current AIT Director, Hsu Li-yen. This experience provided her with the opportunity to engage in deep exchanges with leaders from various sectors in the United States, broadening her international perspective and personally experiencing the vitality and resilience of the American democratic system. She expressed gratitude for this invaluable experience.
President Tsai stated, “For 85 years, IVLP has nurtured numerous leaders and served as a crucial platform for international exchanges. Through the efforts of outstanding alumni from various fields, we have showcased Taiwan’s democratic achievements and diversity to the world.”
She emphasized the expanding cooperation between Taiwan and the United States across various programs, including the Fulbright Program, which facilitates hundreds of exchanges between Taiwanese and American scholars each year.
Over the past three years, Taiwan has continued to support American students coming to Taiwan to learn Mandarin through the US State Department scholarship program, establishing an essential bridge connecting the next generations of Taiwan and the United States. This year, Taiwan initiated the “Youth Ten Billion Overseas Dream Fund Project” to encourage young generations to explore the world and deepen connections with American and global civil societies.
President Tsai expressed gratitude to the unwavering support of the United States government and Congress for Taiwan. She affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to collaborating with the United States and global democratic partners to contribute to peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
She commended the IVLP alumni as vital forces in advancing Taiwan-US relations, highlighting their outstanding achievements in their respective fields, showcasing Taiwan’s soft power and competitiveness to the international community. President Tsai encouraged collective efforts towards Taiwan’s global outreach and anticipated more talented individuals through IVLP to enrich Taiwan-US relations.
In his remarks, AIT Director Hsu Li-yen expressed his honor in welcoming everyone to celebrate the 85th anniversary of IVLP. Since its establishment in 1940, IVLP has been the flagship exchange program of the US State Department, inviting emerging leaders to deepen exchanges in the US, enhance understanding, and promote collaboration. Over the years, IVLP has evolved into a robust platform showcasing American innovation and fostering enduring partnerships with leaders worldwide.
Director Hsu Li-yen reflected on his personal connection with IVLP, dating back to 2002 when he witnessed firsthand how IVLP strengthened US-Taiwan relations during his first posting in Taiwan. He took pride in recommending outstanding talents to participate in the IVLP program, who later demonstrated the profound impact of the program with their achievements. Upon returning to Taiwan as AIT Deputy Director in 2018, he witnessed Taiwan IVLP alumni continuously driving progress in their respective fields, deepening the close ties between the US and Taiwan.
Looking globally, Director Hsu Li-yen mentioned that IVLP has connected over 230,000 leaders from more than 190 countries, including 1,300 Taiwanese alumni. These connections have not only built a network of professional talents and promoted cooperation but also strengthened the long-standing friendship between the US and Taiwan.
While celebrating the rich accomplishments of the IVLP program over the years, Director Hsu Li-yen proudly announced the official launch of the nationwide commemorative event in the United States, “America250,” marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Over the next eight months leading up to July 4th, a series of activities under “America250” will be organized by AIT, inviting everyone to reflect on American history and inspire innovation and collaboration for the next generation.
“As we commemorate the 85th anniversary of IVLP, we not only look back on the program’s history but also pay tribute to the enduring partnerships it has fostered. Taiwanese alumni are the best example of this beautiful legacy – turning dialogue into action and transforming shared experiences into the enduring partnership between the people of Taiwan and the United States,” asserted Director Hsu Li-yen.
He thanked everyone for their presence and leadership, participation, and continuous efforts to deepen US-Taiwan relations, ensuring the IVLP program’s continuous legacy.