WLFB working to make Taiwan more visible globall

Tseng made the remarks during a reception on the eve of the World Freedom Day celebrations to be held today at the Grand Hotel.

Due to international political reality, Taiwan is excluded from participation in various international organizations and regional integration activities. As an NGO affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Information, with members present in different countries in the world, WLFD can play a role in increasing Taiwan's visibility internationally, Tseng said.

“We can do this by joining forces with the league's chapters in different countries in the world and other NGOs to lobby and influence foreign politicians, legislators and social elites,” Tseng said.

Currently, Taiwan is seeking to have a stronger presence in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “WLFD will work with our chapters in ASEAN nations, and Taiwan businesspeople over there, to help the government achieve this goal,” Tseng said.

World Freedom Day is normally celebrated on Jan. 23. This year it is celebrated early due to the Lunar New Year break, which begins on Jan. 24. The celebrations are held this year under the theme “Global Democratization and Human Rights Development: Retrospect and Prospect.”

Speaking of this theme, Yao Eng-chi, president of WLFD, couldn't help but recall the progress Taiwan has made over the decades in promoting democracy and human rights.

“World Freedom Day commemorates the event on Jan. 23, 1954, when mainland Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War chose to come and live in Taiwan, or the free China,” he said. “Since then, Taiwan has become a mature democracy, with leaders elected democratically by the people, who can choose between different candidates.”

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