2024-04-22
Cultivating Next-Generation Diplomatic Talent: DPP to Hold Youth Empowerment Program in Washington
Director Wen Lii of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) International Affairs Department announced today (22nd) that the "DPP Youth Diplomacy Empowerment Program" will be held from July 23rd to August 2nd this year (2024). Lii stated that the 10-day program will take participants to Washington, D.C. with the aim of enhancing the diplomatic capabilities of Taiwan's next generation. The program seeks to recruit young political staff interested in advancing their expertise in international affairs and building bridges with the American political and academic sectors to enhance understanding and interaction. Starting today, online registration is open to young DPP members aged 18 to 40, including city/county councilors, staff at legislator’s offices, staff at city/county councilmember offices, and staff at central and local DPP chapters.
Acting Secretary-General Andrea Yi-shan Yang stated that since Vice President Lai assumed the chairmanship of the party last year, he has placed considerable emphasis on capacity building regarding youth international affairs. Chairman Lai Ching-te has three main directions: deepening party diplomacy, broadening the international perspectives of DPP political staff, and cultivating a younger generation of international talent. This year, coinciding with the U.S. election, arrangements were made for the next generation of political staff to visit Washington, D.C. for exchanges and observation, a rare opportunity indeed.
Michael Fonte, Director of the DPP's U.S. Mission, recorded a promotional video welcoming young people to sign up for the program. He mentioned that the program not only provides opportunities for the new generation to meet U.S. officials, scholars, and Taiwanese-American counterparts but also helps promote understanding among American politicians of the perspectives and motivations of Taiwanese youth. In the video, Michael Fonte wore a DPP pin and promoted the program entirely in Taiwanese, even enthusiastically shouting "Long Live Taiwanese Democracy." Having previously served as a Catholic missionary in Taiwan and dedicated to Taiwan-U.S. relations and party diplomacy, Michael Fonte will also be accompanying the program throughout its entirety.
Wen Lii stated that participants will engage in a series of themed lectures to understand the recent trajectory of Taiwan-U.S. relations, exchange practical experiences with the U.S. diplomatic policy sector in Washington, D.C. and New York, and visit partners such as U.S. executive and legislative departments, think tank scholars and academic professors, international civil organizations, and Taiwan-U.S. civil society groups symbolizing shared values of democracy, human rights, and transitional justice through museum visits or exhibitions.
Wen Lii mentioned that ideal candidates are individuals passionate about Taiwan's diplomatic affairs, interested in Taiwan-U.S. relations, and possessing backgrounds in international relations, political science, public policy, law, economics, social sciences, or other relevant fields, as well as DPP-affiliated political staff and young professionals. The program will be divided into four groups: "Defense and Security," "Economy and Trade," "Taiwan's International Participation," and "Soft Power and Public Diplomacy." Applicants with English proficiency and relevant international experience will be given priority consideration.
Wen Lii further stated that the application period is from April 23rd to May 20th, 2024. Applicants must submit registration forms online along with an English resume and a statement of motivation by the deadline on May 20th. In addition to being between the ages of 18 and 40 and holding DPP membership or having applied for membership, applicants must also meet one of the following conditions: county (city) councilors, parliamentary assistants, county (city) council office staff, DPP central or local party staff, or staff employed by fully-funded DPP think tanks, etc. (with at least one year of service). The selection process will be in two stages: the first stage is a resume screening conducted by DPP Department of International Affairs and successful applicants will be notified of their stage one results. Successful applicants will proceed to the second stage, an English interview conducted by an internal and external interview committee to be held between May 21st to May 28th. The final results will be announced on June 3rd.
Wen Lii added that accepted participants must pay NT$10,000 as a registration fee for the event, in addition to a NT$5,000 deposit. The deposit will be fully refunded after participation in the entire program. Current councilors participating in this program will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodation costs. Detailed event brochures and application qualifications will be announced on the DPP's official website in the News Center section and on social media platforms. We welcome eligible individuals to apply.
