President Tsai Ing-wen said Dec. 2 that the government will continue promoting volunteer work by increasing access to resources and boosting exchanges with countries and territories worldwide.
 
Volunteers have played a vital role in the country’s successful coronavirus response, Tsai said. This is evidenced by their invaluable assistance with conducting health checks on arrivals at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the front line of the country’s disease prevention efforts, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks during an award presentation ceremony for outstanding volunteers and volunteering groups in the northern Taiwan city.
 
The government’s campaign encouraging senior citizens to engage in community service is also bearing fruit, the president said, adding that over 65s have become the country’s demographic with the largest number of participants.
 
According to Tsai, younger generations are set to be offered a greater number of overseas volunteer opportunities as well with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on philanthropic cooperation by Taiwan and Israel Dec. 1. The agreement is expected to expand people-to-people exchanges and deepen friendship with the like-minded Middle Eastern partner, she said.
 
Tsai additionally took the opportunity to express her appreciation to all volunteers countrywide in celebration of upcoming International Volunteer Day. Observed on Dec. 5, the day was launched by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 to recognize contributions toward the organization’s Sustainable Development Goals. (YCH-E)
 
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