Mr. Vice Chairman and Mr. Deputy Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Members of the World Scout Committee and All the Rovers from around the World:
Good evening!
It is a pleasure to attend this grand occasion and meet with the rovers from around the world. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to extend our most sincere and warmest welcome.
The world's scout movement originated in England in 1907, and will celebrate its centennial in 2007. Over the past nearly 100 years, the movement has achieved great success thanks to the efforts of scouting organizations around the world. Since its inception in 1912, the General Association of the Scouts of China has complemented our national education and had a profound impact in its contribution to moral and civic education. To fulfill our responsibility and mission as one of the world scouts, Taiwan has pursued reforms of the rovers' activities since 1995. In 1999, Taiwan won the overwhelming support of the World Scout Conference to host the World Scout Moot 2004. Not only is this the first time that the World Scout Moot has been held in the Asia-Pacific region, but it also marks the first time that we have hosted a global scouting event since the establishment of the General Association of the Scouts of China 93 years ago.
The World Scout Moot takes place every four years, and in many ways is like the Olympics. The two events vary in essence, but share a common mission of "understanding," "tolerance," "cooperation," and "world peace." These are also the goals pursued by the 23 million people of Taiwan. Therefore, with the 12th World Scout Moot 2004 now underway in Taiwan, I would like to take this rare opportunity to urge all of our partners to fully realize the spirit of "world scouts as a family." We must learn to understand each other with open minds and optimistic attitudes, and move forward courageously to meet all challenges with the scout spirit of solidarity, so as to spread the ideal of mutual assistance and peace to every corner of the world.
I would particularly like to express my gratitude to the member states of the World Organization of the Scout Movement for their long-standing support and recognition of Taiwan. I also wish to recognize the generous assistance of the General Association of the Scouts of China, relevant government agencies, and several private enterprises including Uni-President Corporation and Chinese Petroleum Corporation. Through the joint efforts of the government and the private sector, young people from different cultures have an opportunity to exchange and share a diversity of experiences, while actively learning about and participating in community affairs. By exploring such issues as the environment, health and leisure, human rights and peace, technology and society, global education, and Taiwan folk culture, and seeking answers, young people can practice the important ideal of a Global Development Village and achieve their potential as world citizens.
Finally, in my capacity as President of the General Association of the Scouts of China, I once again extend my sincere welcome to you, and share with you the rover code of brotherly affection, fraternal love, service to others, and dedication to public affairs. I expect that all participants will not only experience the different flavors of Taiwan by maximizing the scouts' active and enterprising spirit, but also share with one another the achievements and unique cultures of your own countries during your stay here. It is my hope that all of you will earnestly take part in the Moot program activities together. Only through mutual exchange, learning and dialogue can we appreciate the beauty of nature, culture and friendship with our hearts. I am confident that this trip will prove both fruitful and inspiring, and will leave an indelible impression on each of you.
Thank you.