TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Reporters Without Borders opened its 40th anniversary traveling photo exhibition in Taipei on Monday, marking the organization’s first stop in Asia since the exhibition launched last year.
The exhibition, titled “Shooting the World of Tomorrow,” is being held in the lobby of the Central News Agency building. CNA President Anne Hu Wan-ling (胡婉玲) introduced the exhibition, saying it highlights the value of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence, per CNA.
Hu thanked RSF and the German Institute in Taiwan for making the exhibition possible, noting that “news is the first draft of history.” While debate continues over whether AI will replace journalism, Hu said it is too early to conclude, adding that the exhibition allows the public to see the irreplaceable value of photojournalists. “I assure you, none of the works you see here today were created by AI,” she said.
German Institute in Taiwan Director Karsten Tietz said press freedom remains under threat worldwide and stressed the importance of distinguishing factual information from opinion. If democracy and freedom are to endure, he said, it is essential to prevent the spread of misinformation. He added that the institute supported the exhibition in hopes of promoting quality journalism, freedom, and democratic values to a broader audience.
Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang (王時思) said that without freedom, truth cannot be recorded. A strong photograph, she said, needs no translation and can transcend time and distance to move audiences. Wang added that the exhibition demonstrates the power of the media, which not only conveys information but also serves as a vital bridge ensuring Taiwan’s story is heard.
The exhibition features 53 photographs, including images of US President Donald Trump and coverage of the April 3, 2024, Hualien County earthquake. It comprises 40 photographs selected by RSF depicting contemporary global themes such as the environment, crises, and exile, along with 13 award-winning news photographs taken by CNA photojournalists from 2024 to 2025.
Cedric Alviani, director of RSF’s Asia-Pacific Bureau, said the touring exhibition was launched last year to mark RSF’s 40th anniversary, beginning in Switzerland before traveling to Europe, Latin America, and Africa. He said he was pleased to collaborate with CNA to bring the exhibition to Taiwan and incorporate award-winning Taiwanese photographs to make the presentation more localized and comprehensive.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴) also attended the opening, expressing hope that the exhibition would remind the public of the importance of democracy, freedom and human rights.
The free exhibition runs through Feb. 11 and is located on the first floor of the CNA building at No. 209, Songjiang Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City.
