Address to the86th Annual Kiwanis International Convention
Chen Shui-bian
President
Republic of China
June 24, 2001
President Shafer, President-elect Cunat, Governor Wu, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good evening to you all.
It is an honor indeed for me to be invited to attend the 86th Annual Kiwanis International Convention held in Taiwan. First of all, I would like to extend my warm welcome to all the Kiwanis members from around the world. I also wish to express my admiration and appreciation for the outstanding contributions that you have made to public welfare and social service during the past years.
Founded in 1915 in Detroit, the United States, Kiwanis International now has a membership of over 600,000 from more than 80 countries. Upholding the conviction of "serving the children of the world," your esteemed organization has pursued the goal of "cooperating with one another to enhance common interests and world peace" over the past decades, and this dedication has made a difference in the world. Meanwhile, Kiwanis International has established such organizations as Key Club, Circle K, Builders Club, K-Kids and Kiwanis Junior to serve people of different ages and promote the cause of public welfare. You have been a driving force for social progress and have won worldwide affirmation for yourselves.
Kiwanis International Republic of China District has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 1967, with more than 300 clubs and a total membership of 12,000 today, making Kiwanis International ROC the largest district member not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also in the areas outside North America. This development has facilitated Kiwanis International's decision to hold its 2001 conference in Taiwan, marking the third time that an annual convention of Kiwanis International has taken place outside North America and attesting to the fact that the longtime efforts of the ROC District has received recognition. In addition, this conference also offers an opportunity to Kiwanis members from 48 Districts and their clubs to better understand the ROC. In this context, it carries immense significance in increasing our publicity in the world community as well as in promoting international exchanges.
"Young Children: Priority One" has always been one of Kiwanis International’s major tasks, and for implementing this goal, your organization has cooperated with community organizations in association with children’s welfare. For example, Kiwanis International, in cooperation with 40-odd child welfare organizations, has formed the Priority One Advisory Council in the US to study issues concerning children and sponsor relevant community organizations. In 1994, your organization worked with the United Nations Children's Fund to launch the "Worldwide Service Project: Iodine Deficiency Disorders," rallying clubs to raise funds and encourage more enterprises and individuals to join the cause of eliminating iodine deficiency disorders. Such efforts have effectively prevented millions of children from being born mentally disabled. In recent years, Kiwanis clubs in Asia have contributed to the well-being of children by adopting impoverished children in the Philippines and Guatemala, building halfway houses for children in need, and providing educational aids to students from impoverished regions.
It is the Kiwanis spirit that stands behind your hard work and outstanding performance. You have been helping others without hesitation, not because of blood linage, nor because of fame and gain. What you have shown is the most valuable thing in humanity and the character that is most needed in our society. This is just what I have always advocated—altruism, a basic conviction upon which the United Nations has chosen the first year of the new millennium as the International Year of Volunteers. Looking to the future, I hope that you will continue to enhance your Kiwanis spirit and through the network of Kiwanis International, to extend service and compassion to every corner of the world. I also hope that your efforts will encourage other people to devote their altruistic enthusiasm and work together to establish a better and more harmonious society while promoting the people's well-being.
In closing, I avail myself of this opportunity to express, once again, my admiration and appreciation for your longtime efforts and remarkable achievements in social service. I wish each of you a happy Dragon Boat Festival. Thank you.