TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwanese envoy to Washington Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and Digital Minister Audrey Tang (唐鳳) will represent the country at the inaugural Summit for Democracy, which will be hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden next month.
The U.S. Department of State on Tuesday (Nov. 23) published its list of invitees to the international Summit for Democracy, and Taiwan is among the 110 countries asked to take part in the first-of-its-kind event, which will unfold virtually Dec. 9-10. The organizers are currently in talks with members of governments, civil society, the private sector, and other actors to devise "bold, practicable" ways to uphold the themes of resisting authoritarianism, tackling corruption, and supporting human rights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) revealed via press release Wednesday (Nov. 24) that Representative Hsiao will attend on Taiwan's behalf to exchange views on ways to commit to the three themes of the conference. She will be joined by Tang, who will highlight the country's experience using "digital democracy" to enhance governance.
Thanking Biden for the invitation, the ministry said it is an acknowledgment of Taiwan's ongoing promotion of democracy and human rights, such as the country's National Human Rights Action Plan, participation in the Global Cooperation, and the U.S.-Taiwan Consultations on Democratic Governance in the Indo-Pacific held Nov. 15.
According to the State Department, the summit will take up "challenges and opportunities facing democracies" as well as "provide a platform for leaders to announce both individual and collective commitments, reforms, and initiatives to defend democracy and human rights."