TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the opening ceremony of the Rotary International Convention at the Taipei Dome on Sunday, praising the organization’s commitment to humanitarian service, public health, and peace while calling for greater global cooperation.
Speaking before participants from more than 140 countries, Lai said the convention’s return to Taiwan after 32 years reflected international recognition of Taiwan’s longstanding contributions to humanitarian causes, public service, and peace efforts, per a press release.
Lai said membership in Rotary represents a commitment to humanitarian care, public service, and world peace. He noted that Taiwan’s 12 Rotary districts have more than 36,000 members who regularly work with Rotarians around the world on projects ranging from peacebuilding and conflict prevention to disease prevention and treatment. Lai said those efforts have brought meaningful change and hope to communities worldwide.
Lai highlighted Rotary International’s role in the global fight against polio, noting that the organization has helped reduce cases worldwide by 99.9% over the past four decades. He also referenced Friday’s Eradicating Polio Charity Run in Taipei, which drew strong public participation and demonstrated continued support for eliminating the disease worldwide.
Expressing confidence that the goal will eventually be achieved, Lai said Taiwan reached the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating hepatitis C five years ahead of the 2030 deadline, crediting support from Rotary clubs across Taiwan and other public health partners.
He described the achievement as another milestone in Taiwan’s contributions to international public health, following its efforts to assist other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lai said future cooperation between Taiwan and Rotary International could produce further achievements in public health and other areas, per a press release.
Addressing broader international issues, Lai said peace and stability remain shared aspirations around the world as countries confront geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. He cited remarks by Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, who described Rotary as an organization dedicated to peacebuilding for more than a century.
Lai said Taiwan remains committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and will continue strengthening cooperation with democratic partners. He added that Taiwan’s position in global technology and supply chains gives it a key role in promoting economic resilience and regional stability.
Concluding his remarks, Lai called on participants to continue working together to advance peace, public health, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian assistance.
“Whether it’s dedicating ourselves to peace, public health, environmental sustainability, or humanitarian aid, Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with Rotarians worldwide, connecting the world with goodwill and changing the future through action,” he said.
