On September 1, President Chen Shui-bian was invited to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the "2006 Youth National Affairs Conference" at Chung-shan Hall in Yangmingshan.
In his remarks, President Chen said that civil society development is the basis for the deepening of Taiwan's democracy, and that the promotion and practice of deliberative democracy is the only way to carry out transitional justice. The younger generation is the best people to sow the seeds for democracy, he added.
"Though Taiwan peacefully accomplished the first-ever transfer of power between political parties in the 2000 presidential election," said President Chen, "political division appears to have stripped the chance of achieving a harmonious, trusted society."
The president expressed his hope that the young generation would not only demonstrate the ability to conduct rational communication and tolerate diversity but also bring their energy and creativity to society. That is why the theme of the conference "Wish Taiwan a Young Dream" is so meaningful.
The 2006 Youth National Affairs Conference was hosted by the National Youth Commission under the Executive Yuan.