Wed, Mar 10, 2004 page2

• A commitment to action

  Chen Chang-wen, president of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China and managing partner at Lee and Li law firm, talked with "Taipei times" staff reporter Joy Su on Monday about the organization, its 100th anniversary and its past and its future

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  Taipei Times: The Red Cross has been given credit for carrying out international humanitarian aid in lieu of the government. What is the ROC Red Cross' role in furthering Taiwanese diplomacy?

  Chen Chang-wen (陳長文): First, the Red Cross was one of the first to promulgate the concept of global governance with the establishment of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1919. This international organization is a global channel for communication and benefits Taiwan's global image.

  However, diplomacy has never been the Red Cross' primary concern; rather, we take humanity and compassion as our basic premise. Nevertheless, when we devote ourselves to international humanitarian missions, we find that we simultaneously bring benefits to our diplomacy and reputation.

  Second, during the September 21, 1999 earthquake in Taiwan, we went from our usual role of giver to that of the recipient, a role reversal that has had a positive impact on Taiwan. Then again, during the earthquake in Iran last year, we were able to provide assistance. Amidst all this, the Red Cross has served as a promoter and conduit of global compassion. If this work is to be called diplomacy, the phrase "when you are hungry, I am hungry; when you are weak, I am weak" would better describe the situation.

  While the government should increase its efforts in foreign assistance, people are also an important source of strength. Through interaction with other countries in promoting humanity, it is possible to establish a form of grass-roots diplomacy.

  TT: The economic disparity between Taiwan and China has had many societal consequences. What can the Red Cross do to alleviate this situation?

  Chen: The Red Cross is attractive because of the principle of humanity that it advocates. Henri Dunant [the organization's founder] thought that he could do some-thing. He could have just gone on and enjoyed his life, but he didn't. It's a matter of whether you want to do something or not. Basically, what the Red Cross can do is organize this thought systematically and work with other countries around the world to translate it into action.

  TT: After 100 years of philanthropic work, what are some challenges that the Red Cross of the ROC faces at this juncture?

  Chen: We are the only non-

  governmental organization to be regulated by law, and as such we can be easily perceived by the general public as part of the government or as part of an international organization when as a matter of fact, we are neither.

  Yet, the dilemma always confronting us is funding. The ordinary citizen perceives us as governmental and usually will not donate unless something really bad happens, like a natural disaster or war. By then, it's too late usually.

  To prepare for the worst, we obviously need to be equipped -- to solicit and train volunteers. These all involve money, money, money. What the Red Cross promotes is not easily identifiable. I cannot say "Hey, beware of an earthquake."

  TT: You stress the importance of trust in running your law firm. Do you bring this concept to your work at the Red Cross?

  Chen: Yes, trust needs to be defined in a broader perspective here. I take the word to mean a commitment. I am committed to you and you to me. Only if we commit to the same thing do we have trust, and we are all committed to humanity. We all have an innate sense of mercy and compassion. So we commit to this, and the real question is how the Red Cross can transform these commitments to action.
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