Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of June 14, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Rotary International Convention. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taipei is hosting this convention for the first time in 32 years, and that the event affirms that the international community sees Taiwan as an enduring force for humanitarian care, public welfare, and world peace. He noted that Taiwan's 12 Rotary districts and more than 36,000 members have partnered with Rotarians worldwide to make significant contributions across all seven of the organization's areas of focus, including peacebuilding and conflict prevention, as well as disease prevention and treatment. The president pointed out that peace and stability are the greatest hope of people everywhere, and stated that in the future, Taiwan will continue to walk hand in hand with Rotarians worldwide in our commitment to peace, public health, environmental sustainability, humanitarian aid, and beyond, fostering a more connected world through goodwill and shaping the future through action.

A transcript of President Lai's remarks follows:

The Rotary International Convention is one of the most influential global NGO events. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I want to welcome [Rotary International] President [Francesco] Arezzo and Mrs. Arezzo, and Rotarians from around the world.

Taipei is hosting this convention for the first time in 32 years. Rotary members from over 140 countries are joining us today, making it a truly momentous occasion.

Special thanks go to Taiwan Rotary members for bringing the world to Taiwan, and to Rotary International leaders for their support. This event affirms that the international community sees Taiwan as an enduring force for humanitarian care, public [welfare], and world peace.

The theme for this general session, “Planting Peace, Growing Hope,” captures the spirit of Taiwan's Rotarians. For many years, Taiwan's 12 Rotary districts and more than 36,000 members have partnered with Rotarians worldwide. Together, they have brought change and hope to communities across all seven areas of focus, including peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and disease prevention and treatment.

Through Rotary International's more than 40 years of efforts, polio cases worldwide have been reduced by 99.9 percent. Yesterday, many people took part in the End Polio Now 3K and 12.5K Run in Taipei, united in the push toward zero cases.

We will achieve this goal. I can say this with confidence because of Taiwan's outstanding track record. Taiwan successfully met the WHO's 2030 target for eliminating hepatitis C – five years ahead of schedule. This is thanks in part to the support of our Rotary clubs. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone for making this possible.

This is another new milestone for Taiwan in global public health. It follows the COVID-19 outbreak, when our successful prevention strategies enabled us to help others around the world. I'm confident that in the future, cooperation between Taiwan and Rotary International will lead to even more achievements.

Another goal we share is to strive for peace. At the convention in Calgary last year, President Arezzo noted that Rotary International is a great, immense machine. It has been working for peace for more than a century.

Everything Rotarians do worldwide is in the name of peace. This includes promoting cultural understanding, improving living environments, and providing economic aid.

Today's global community faces many challenges, from geopolitical changes to extreme climate events and supply chain restructuring. At this very moment, peace and stability are the greatest hope of people everywhere.

Taiwan stands on the frontlines of defense against authoritarian expansion. As a cornerstone of global supply chain security, Taiwan will shoulder its responsibility, and will maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. With our strength in technology, we will also expand cooperation with our democratic partners. Together, we will boost supply chain and economic resilience. We will uphold regional peace and stability, and promote global prosperity and development.

Early this month, tech companies from around the world gathered for COMPUTEX. Today, the Rotary International Convention celebrates another grand opening. Both of these events prove that democratic Taiwan is an important platform for global exchange. They also show that Taiwan is a force for good in the world's development.

Let's work together to “Do Good in the World!” In our commitment to peace, public health, environmental sustainability, humanitarian aid, and beyond, Taiwan will continue to walk hand in hand with Rotarians worldwide. Together, we will foster a more connected world through goodwill, and shape the future through action.

Once again, welcome to everyone who has traveled from afar. I invite you to take this opportunity to explore Taiwan. I hope you can personally experience what makes Taiwan so free, open, and diverse. I wish this convention great success, and hope you all make lasting memories. Thank you.

Also in attendance at the event were Rotary Foundation Chair Holger Knaack and Rotary International Convention Committee Chair Andreas von Möller.