WE ARE THE WORLD, WE ARE THE CHILDREN
Remarks Delivered to the 2001 Kiwanis International Convention
By
Hsiu-lien Annette Lu
Vice President of the Republic of China
June 26, 2001
President Bo Shafer, Chairman Chiang, Vice Chairman Lai, Governor Ms. Wu, Distinguished guests and Kiwanians, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am delighted and proud to join you to conclude the 2001 Kiwanis International Convention. Out of the fierce competition of the 12 world-renowned cities, Taipei has the honor to host the Convention for the first time ever. Meanwhile, the Convention is taking place in the first year of the twenty-first century, which the United Nations has proclaimed to be the “International Year of Volunteers.” And I am most proud that this significant international gala is organized under extraordinary leadership, and has scored a great success.
When the founders of Kiwanis in 1915 set out to live by the motto of “Serving the Children of the World,” they took an enormous leap of faith. They placed a great trust in the good will of people in the early twentieth century, but also in those of future centuries. Today, at the dawning of the twenty-first century, we have seen the torch of “trust in good will” and “faith in mutual assistance” passed from generation to another. And, we have seen the influence of Kiwanis continue spreading far and wide, with over 320,000 members in more than 80 countries around the world. I would like to take this opportunity to express my greatest respect for and sincerest gratitude to the Kiwanis pioneers and those who have followed in their footsteps for all their unceasing demonstration of a generous spirit, a volunteering work ethnic, and love of children. Through your unremitting efforts and commitment, Kiwanis International has given humanity the promising hope that, “WE ARE THE WORLD, AND WE ARE THE CHILDREN.”
As we bid farewell to the twentieth century that was rife with violence, conflict, as well as hot and “cold” wars, many are wondering what the new century will mean, what expectations we should have of it. Some pessimists are still prone to foresee the upcoming clashes of civilizations. However, many open and enlightened people like each of you, instead, continue to devote to the peace and progress of the world by offering hope and help to children without discrimination. For over eight decades, Kiwanis has focused on the needs of children in health, safety, early development, education, and good citizenship. Internationally, Kiwanis has worked to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the world’s leading cause of mental retardation.
The service projects of Kiwanis also address other community problems, working to stop child abuse, helping the elderly, promoting literacy, supporting youth sports and recreation, and caring for others in need or under stress. By loving, caring, sharing, and serving, Kiwanis has served as a living symbol of humanity, of which love is the most quintessential ingredient.
Never before in history have we felt so much like living in the same boat, particularly when pervasive waves of democracy, information technology, and market economy are now combining to transcend national borders. The twenty-first century will be a new era of symbiosis and interdependence. The questions are: how would we prepare ourselves for the advent of this new era? How can the able help the unable and disabled, and the fortunate work for the unfortunate? And, how can peoples of different origins treat each other with respect and care, and commit themselves to a world of “the true, the good, and the beautiful?
Since the new government of Taiwan came to power last May, I have advanced the idea of “Soft Power,” by which I mean democracy, human rights, high-tech, peace, and love. The objective of “high-tech” in a new era should be aimed at serving, instead of enslaving, the humans, considering as a vital priority the “symbiosis” relationships between people and people, between humans and the environment. The universal values of democracy, human rights, peace, and love are all important lubricants to gear the human society toward a state of “co-existence and co-prosperity.”
Indeed, Taiwan’s soft power would very much find resonance with Kiwanis’ spirit of “good will” and “mutual assistance.” Late last year, I initiated a humanitarian campaign to adopt poor children or orphans in Latin America, in which Kiwanis has played an important part. This year, Taiwan’s new government also devoted relief efforts and sent aids to the earthquake-stricken area in El Salvador. In the spring of 2001, out of the common bond of humanity in a global village, I organized a delegation of “With Love From Taiwan” to provide help and assistance to a serious quack-ravaged region in India. A similar campaign was later launched, here in Taiwan, to help the Tibetan children in exile, particularly in India. We understand that as long as we harbor a belief of “love without borders” and employ the soft power to the advantage of the world, the influence of Taiwan can be stretching out without limits.
Ladies and gentlemen, all great things that have happened in this world, such as many achievements the Kiwanis has accomplished, start with a loving and caring heart. It is the willingness to take an extra step, regardless large or small, the desire to spend extra time, regardless long or short, to care for the people around us that makes this world a better place to live. Apathy is the accomplice of all crimes. The spirit of volunteerism, community service and altruistic acts that Kiwanis promotes is much required in the world of a new century. The world needs more Kiwanians.
So does the world need more Taiwan! Though today’s Taiwan enjoys economic prosperity and democratic success; yet, it remains a state recognized by only 28 out of the 189 member states in the United Nation. Many countries and international institutions including the UN have given into Beijing’s bullying and dare not admit Taiwan as a sovereign state that creates economic and democratic “miracles.” Beijing has even deployed over 300 missiles aimed at the people of Taiwan, naively thinking that weapons of mass destruction can deter peace-loving Taiwanese and can earn respect of the world. Here, I would like to tell the Beijing authority straightforwardly: Hate breeds more hate, and only “love” can melt down animosity. I sincerely hope that we human beings can turn “Missiles for Destruction” into “Missions for Love of Children,” our masters of the future.
I am always reminded by one of Kiwanis’ principles—the Golden rule, I cannot help but ask each one of us: how would it feel to be treated as half a person? And, how would you feel to let Taiwan, a country with good will and love, be treated as half a nation, and excluded from the United Nations.
Even though Taiwan is unjustly blocked by the hard power of political maneuvering, it is the soft power of love and peace that bridges Taiwan with the global community. In the past, Taiwan has gained much international assistance from around the world, for which I am grateful. As Taiwan has moved from a developing to a developed country, Taiwan is ready and eager to share its economic and democratic success to the world. It is time for Taiwan to contribute its part to the international community. Therefore, while I strongly believe that the world needs more Kiwanians, I also believe firmly that the world needs more Taiwan.
Recent statistics have just revealed that in the current world there are still 130 millions of children who are uneducated or undereducated, and 60% of them are girls. There are 600-million kids who live on less than one US dollar per day, and many others who are in a serious danger of child abuse, child labor, or forced child prostitute. The missions of Kiwanis’ “Serving the Children of the World” and Taiwan’s soft power are far from over. I sincerely hope that Kiwanis and Taiwan can continue to work and commit together for the well being of the children in the world, now and forever! With a little good heart, the promising day of “We Are the World, We Are the Children” will eventually come true.
Fellow participants, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let us work for love and peace, for then they will always be with us. As 21st century global citizens, we should not only be the beneficiaries of Kiwanis’s vision and courage, we are also the stewards of its sacrifice and volunteering spirit.
May the success of the 2001 Kiwanis International convention in Taiwan be a source of our further commitment to the children. Thank you all for coming, I hope that you have enjoyed your stay in Taiwan. Thank you.