The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday unveiled a program to send young political workers to the US this summer to foster diplomatic talent.
Applications for the DPP Youth Diplomacy Empowerment Program, which is to take place from July 23 to Aug. 2, start today and run until May 20, DPP international affairs director Lii Wen (李問) said.
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Photo: Taipei Times
Cultivating young talent in international affairs has been one of the focuses of Vice President William Lai (賴清德), the president-elect, since he was elected DPP chairman last year, DPP acting secretary-general Yang Yi-shan (楊懿珊) said.
The program aims to deepen the party’s international connections, broaden the horizons of young party members and nurture next-generation specialists in international affairs, she said.
The participants are to attend a series of lectures to learn about the Taiwan-US relationship, and visit Washington and New York to exchange opinions and experiences with their US counterparts, Lii said.
As the US is to hold its presidential election in November, the participants would be able to observe the election on the ground, he said.
They will also visit the US’ executive and legislative branches and meet with academics and experts from think tanks, he said.
DPP members aged 18 to 40 who have at least one year of working experience as city or county councilors, assistants to legislators or councilors, staff members at DPP headquarters or local chapters, or think tanks are eligible for the program, he said.
INTERVIEW
Applicants should submit a resume and a motivation letter, both in English, for the first-round review, Lii said, adding that applicants who are proficient in English and possess experience in international affairs would be given priority during the selection process.
Those who pass the documentation review would be interviewed in English by a panel between May 21 and 28, he said.
The final result is to be announced on June 3.
FEES
Selected participants will have to pay a fee of NT$10,000 and an additional security deposit of NT$5,000, with the deposit being reimbursed after they complete the program.
Incumbent city or county councilors, if selected, would be required to pay for their own transportation and accommodation in the US.
Details of the program can be found on DPP’s Web site and social media accounts.
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