Rome Taiwan Association Holds National Day Banquet and Presidential Transition

The Taiwan Association in Rome, Italy, recently hosted a warm and grand National Day celebration banquet, which also featured the handover ceremony for the association's presidency. The event not once again united the morale of Taiwanese expatriates in Italy, but also showcased the unique charm of Taiwanese culture to mainstream Italian society. During the event, outgoing president Chen Yi-wen officially stepped down, handing over the association's affairs to incoming president Tso An-ni. Upon taking office, Tso stated that she will continue to actively promote Taiwanese culture in the future through various cultural and social events, enabling more Italian citizens to get to know Taiwan, while also building a warm and closely-knit community pillar for Taiwanese people far from home.

The National Day banquet and presidential handover of the Taiwan Association in Rome is an annual highlight within the local overseas compatriot community. Most Taiwanese expatriates living in Italy are deeply rooted in fields such as culture, art, catering, commerce, and academia. Although usually busy with their respective work and lives, the association consistently plays a cohesive role during the Republic of China's National Day or major traditional festivals, bringing everyone together. Outgoing president Chen Yi-wen actively promoted association affairs during her tenure, fostering communication and mutual assistance among compatriots; her efforts received unanimous recognition from all members. This handover ceremony symbolized the passing of the torch, serving not only as gratitude for past efforts but also as a fresh aspiration for future development.

Upon assuming office, incoming president Tso An-ni immediately outlined the future development blueprint for the association. She emphasized that uniting the morale of overseas compatriots is the core mission of the association, while promoting Taiwanese culture to the international community is an even deeper calling. Tso pointed out that multiple diverse events will be planned and organized in the future. These events will not be limited to internal socialization among compatriots, but will also aim to reach into local Italian communities. Through forms such as cuisine, art, music, or forums, Italians will be able to gain a more multi-dimensional and comprehensive understanding of Taiwan, further enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Amidst the current complex international geopolitical environment, the role of overseas Taiwanese associations has long transcended simple hometown fellowship, taking on the crucial role of a driver for people-to-people diplomacy. As a major European nation, Italy has shown growing concern in recent years regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and exchanges with Taiwan. By hosting National Day events locally, the Taiwan Association in Rome not only allows compatriots to experience a strong festive atmosphere in a foreign land, but also conveys Taiwan's values of steadfastly upholding democracy, freedom, and cultural diversity to Italian society. Through the autonomous networking of the expatriate community, Taiwan's visibility and positive image in Europe continue to accumulate.

Looking ahead, the new team led by Tso An-ni will face numerous opportunities and challenges. How to attract a new generation of Taiwanese expatriates in Italy to join the association on the existing solid foundation will be a key issue for revitalizing the organization. Many younger generations who have gone to Italy to study or work in recent years hold different expectations regarding community participation; if the association can keep pace with the times by combining digital tools and creative activities, it will undoubtedly expand its influence further. The Taiwan Association in Rome is not only a safe haven for compatriots in Italy, but also the finest bridge for people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Italy. It is expected to play an even more active and critical role in promoting citizen diplomacy and cultural export in the future.

(Source of facts: Central News Agency)