The participation of professionals from members of the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU) will help the organization promote the universal values of democracy, peace and prosperity, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) said yesterday.
She made the comment as she met with dozens of academics and professionals from DPU member states at the Presidential Office. The group, including graduate students given visiting fellowships by the DPU, visited Hualien County yesterday morning before going to see Lu.
The visitors expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to closely observe Taiwan and delegates from Paraguay and Costa Rica presented souvenirs to Lu as a show of gratitude.
Lu said the two-day DPU forum that closed on Monday had ensured that the organization would establish visiting fellowships, five research centers and two schools.
"By the end of this year, we will set up the Pacific Internet University, through which researchers and students can conduct educational programs and exchange opinions," Lu said.
The Internet-based school is part of the strategy to narrow the information gap between DPU member states. The other school to be lunched by DPU is the Pacific University at Sea, which will focus on promoting lifelong learning, oceanic culture, tourism and education.
Academic collaboration has been a key tool for international networks and Lu encouraged experts and professionals to fully participate in DPU activities and help support the new research centers the DPU will establish.
"I'd also like to stress that I will do my best to achieve the "five justices" -- political justice, economic justice, gender justice and international justice," Lu said.
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