[New Taipei City News] To broaden the international horizons of the young generation in New Taipei, the New Taipei City Government Youth Department continued to host its “International Youth Talent Development Program” this year. Nearly 200 young people from New Taipei City participated in both parts of this 5-day program, attending professional lectures on cultivating international perspectives and visiting scenic historical sites in Banqiao Old Town and diplomatic offices in Taiwan. This approach breaks traditional diplomatic thinking and enhances the significance of cross-cultural exchanges within society.
 New Taipei City Government Youth Department Commissioner Marcia Chiu stated that the program aims to cultivate interest and abilities in urban diplomacy among New Taipei youth through professional lectures, cultural activities, diplomatic etiquette lessons, and outdoor field trips. These activities helped improve their cross-national communication skills and international outlook, inspiring them to view the characteristics and strengths of New Taipei City from a fresh perspective.
This year’s participants came from universities across Taiwan. The program was inclusive and not limited to those majoring in diplomacy, languages, or international affairs. Cheng, a student from Jinwen University of Science and Technology’s Department of Aviation and Transportation Service Management, shared that he deeply felt the Youth Department’s dedication to formulating and executing the program, especially the bilingual interview workshop and the New Taipei City tour. He agreed that the courses on presentation skills and making friends with foreigners greatly helped him accumulate hard and soft skills, which he believed would benefit his future career.
The program invited Sarah Hsin-Ju Chung, founder and CEO of Like It Formosa, as the leader of the city tour. She encouraged the participants to think from a visitor’s perspective and follow her plans centered on warm and interesting interactions with the locals. After the lectures, participants had the opportunity to lead international friends from the U.S., U.K., Spain, and other countries to explore The Lin Family Mansion and Garden, Songshan Cihui Temple, and Huangshi Market. They tasted local traditional culture and delicacies and got to know the local folk beliefs.
Elijah, a student from the U.S., expressed his excitement, stating that he used to visit Banqiao just for shopping, but had a completely different and insightful experience this time as he learned about Taiwan’s history and culture, and even about deities like Matsu.
Confident Pitch to the Ambassador on the Proposal of a Sister City
The highlight of this program was making proposals to foreign embassies in Taiwan, including the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti and the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This tested the participants’ English-speaking skills, background research, and analysis skills as they conducted these while getting to know these countries. They proposed new interactive models to form sister-city relations through music, dance, indigenous culture, and handicrafts. Mr. Francilien Victorin, Minister of Haiti in Taiwan, was impressed that the participants “knew more” about Haiti than he did and praised their high-level presentations completed in just five days.
Wang, a student from Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Physical Education, said his initial intention to join the program was to share Taiwan’s rich sports experience and spirit with the world, showcasing Taiwan’s unique local culture and sportsmanship while enhancing his international perspective and understanding of foreign cultures.
Chen, a student from the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology’s Department of Finance, mentioned that she used to think diplomacy was only between countries or governments. After the training, her perception changed completely. She now plans to participate more actively in international activities, building international connections for Taiwan in his daily life.
The New Taipei City Government Youth Department hopes that more young people can go out into the world with brave and open hearts and a respectful and non-discriminative attitude, turning knowledge into practical actions whether in the workplace or when making foreign friends, encouraging everyone that they can be a citizen diplomat.
Marcia Chiu, Commissioner of the New Taipei City Government Youth Department, stated during the opening of the “International Youth Talent Development Program” that the courses aim to develop young people’s mindset on urban diplomacy. She hopes to inspire New Taipei youth to view the city’s unique characteristics and advantages from a new perspective.

Highlight of the”International Youth Talent Development Program” is guiding foreign friends through New Taipei’s attractions, incorporating history and culture into the city tours. (The photo shows participants taking Marina from Spain to The Lin Family Mansion and Garden to appreciate the beauty of classical gardens.

The participants visited the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei and exchanged ideas on international etiquette with Deputy Representative Erkan Yilmaz.

A group photo with Mr. Francilien Victorin, Minister of Haiti in Taiwan.They expressed great interest in Haiti’s historical background and natural landscape features.

The participants gave presentations at the Embassy of Haiti in Taipei, proposing many interesting ideas focused on urban diplomacy between New Taipei City and Haiti, with suggestions for sister city relationships. Their proposals received high praise.

The participants led foreign friends to explore New Taipei’s unique attractions, taking Elijah from the United States to Banqiao Cihui Temple to experience.

The participants visited the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office, where Director Mr. Martin Torres warmly introduced them to Mexico’s geography, economy, and culture.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Bowman led the participants into the embassy office to admire numerous pieces of art from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.