The integrated diplomacy strategy took center stage as Taiwan announced plans to establish an international NGO hub. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung unveiled the proposal during an NGO Leaders Forum held in Taipei on Tuesday. He said the initiative aims to attract global non-governmental organizations and strengthen Taiwan’s regional role. As a result, the plan underscores Taiwan’s effort to expand international engagement beyond formal state diplomacy.
The forum marked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ first major event of the year. Officials framed the gathering as a review of NGO achievements and a platform for deeper public-private cooperation. Accordingly, Lin emphasized closer collaboration between civil society organizations and government agencies. He described NGOs as essential partners rather than peripheral participants in foreign policy execution.
Lin said the ministry continues advancing an integrated diplomacy strategy aligned with President William Lai’s policies. That framework combines values-based diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and alliance diplomacy into a unified approach. Moreover, officials aim to translate democratic values into concrete international cooperation projects. The integrated diplomacy strategy seeks to enhance Taiwan’s credibility and visibility within global civil society.
The minister highlighted NGO diplomacy as a key mechanism for promoting democracy, freedom, and human rights. He argued that NGOs help convert policy principles into visible and measurable outcomes. Therefore, Taiwan views NGO engagement as a practical extension of its diplomatic toolkit. Officials believe such efforts strengthen trust while expanding Taiwan’s international influence.
Lin cited humanitarian cooperation in Ukraine as an example of effective NGO-government coordination. He referenced support for children affected by war in Kyiv through multinational partnerships. That cooperation involved Taiwan’s participation in agreements signed in Europe last year. Accordingly, officials see humanitarian assistance as reinforcing Taiwan’s responsible global image.
The proposed international NGO center would serve as a base for Indo-Pacific operations. Lin said Taipei offers logistical advantages, political stability, and strong civil society infrastructure. Furthermore, officials expect the hub to attract organizations seeking reliable regional partners. The integrated diplomacy strategy positions Taiwan as a connector across governments and civil society networks.
Civil society leaders echoed the ministry’s assessment of Taiwan’s growing international role. Marco Chiesara, president of Italian humanitarian group WeWorld, praised Taiwan’s support for Ukrainian children. He said partnerships with Taiwan helped sustain child-friendly spaces, heating systems, and mental health services. Such cooperation demonstrates how financial and institutional backing produces tangible humanitarian outcomes.
WeWorld’s projects in Ukraine focused on foster families and psychosocial care for vulnerable children. Chiesara said similar cooperation previously extended to Syria and Afghanistan after major disasters. These initiatives reflect Taiwan’s expanding footprint in humanitarian and development assistance. Consequently, NGOs increasingly view Taiwan as a dependable long-term partner.
Looking ahead, officials expect the NGO hub proposal to advance through planning stages this year. They anticipate gradual expansion of NGO offices and multilateral projects based in Taipei. Ultimately, the integrated diplomacy strategy aims to embed Taiwan deeper into regional and global networks. Observers say sustained NGO engagement could bolster Taiwan’s diplomatic resilience amid geopolitical constraints.
