Rotary International Convention: President Lai Calls for Democratic Partnerships to Sustain Regional Peace

By Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, June 14

President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the '2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei' today. This marks Taipei's first time hosting the event in 32 years. The president stated that Taiwan stands at the forefront of resisting authoritarian expansion and, as a core cornerstone of global supply chain security, will strengthen cooperation with democratic partners to enhance supply chain and economic resilience, maintain regional peace and stability, and promote global prosperity.

Speaking in English, President Lai said the Rotary International Convention is one of the world's most influential non-governmental organization events. He welcomed Rotarians from around the globe on behalf of the government and all citizens of Taiwan. He highlighted that this year’s convention marks Taipei’s return as host after 32 years, with over 140 countries represented.

The president expressed gratitude to Taiwan’s Rotarians for bringing the world to Taiwan and to Rotary International leaders for their support. This event, he said, represents international recognition of Taiwan’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian care, public service, and world peace.

As today’s plenary session theme is 'Sowing Peace, Cultivating Hope,' he noted that for years, Taiwan’s 12 Rotary districts and more than 36,000 members have partnered globally across seven focus areas—including peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment—making significant contributions and bringing countless changes and hope to the world.

He mentioned that thanks to over 40 years of Rotary’s efforts, global polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%. Yesterday’s 'Eradicate Polio Charity Run' in Taipei drew enthusiastic public participation, moving closer toward a 'zero-case' goal.

President Lai expressed confidence this goal will be achieved—just as Taiwan, with strong support from local Rotary clubs, achieved the World Health Organization’s 2030 target of eliminating hepatitis C five years ahead of schedule, in 2025. He extended deep gratitude to all partners involved.

He said this marks a new milestone in international public health history, following Taiwan’s self-help and mutual aid efforts during the 2019 outbreak of COVID-19. He believes future collaboration between Taiwan and Rotary International will achieve even greater results across various fields.

President Lai emphasized that peace is a shared goal. Whether promoting cross-cultural understanding, improving living conditions, or providing economic aid to the vulnerable, all actions by global Rotarians are aimed at peace.

He pointed out that today’s global society faces challenges such as geopolitical shifts, extreme climate, and supply chain restructuring. At this moment, peace and stability are the deepest aspirations of people across borders.

Taiwan, he said, stands on the front line against authoritarian expansion and, as a core pillar of global supply chain security, will take responsibility to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, leverage its technological strengths, and strengthen cooperation with democratic partners to jointly enhance supply chain and economic resilience, maintain regional peace and stability, and promote global prosperity.

Furthermore, President Lai noted that from early June’s Taipei Computer Applications Show, which attracted global tech firms, to today’s Rotary Convention, these events demonstrate that democratic Taiwan is a vital platform for global exchange and a positive force in world development. He called on all to 'do good globally'—whether in peacebuilding, public health, environmental sustainability, or humanitarian aid—affirming that Taiwan will continue walking hand-in-hand with Rotarians worldwide, connecting the world with goodwill and changing the future through action.