TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) office announced on Tuesday (Nov. 19) that the former president will be attending the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) in Canada. 

Tsai will depart for Canada on Wednesday to deliver a keynote speech at the forum, which lasts Nov. 22–24, CNA reported. The forum is a major gathering for democracies to discuss security issues and enhance strategic cooperation, the office said. 

Strategic security experts and political leaders from dozens of countries are expected to participate, it said, adding that the event aims to foster closer strategic partnerships among democracies to address pressing global security challenges.

The office emphasized that Tsai's participation underscores Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding democracy and freedom. In her speech, she will reaffirm the determination of the Taiwanese people to uphold these values.

Office spokesperson Tsai Shu-ching (蔡舒景) recalled Tsai’s remark upon receiving the John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service in 2021 that democracy and freedom are the best badges Taiwan wears on the global stage. Tsai’s attendance at the HISF demonstrates Taiwan’s ability to contribute to the world, the spokesperson said.

Other notable participants include US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Taiwan Parliamentary Human Rights Commission General Secretary Wu’er Kaixi (吾爾開希).