Premier Cho said that Hakka culture is flourishing at home and abroad. For instance, Hakka culture has been completely preserved in French Polynesia (Tahiti). At the end of August, the French Polynesian government sent a delegation to Taiwan for the first time in 40 years, representing closer relations between both nations and demonstrating the bonds shared between Hakka people across the world. He further put forth the idea that “Every ministry is a Ministry of Culture” in the hopes that every policy takes consideration of cultural resources, building more a vibrant culture and civilization in the country. The Conference opens the opportunity to advance towards that goal.
Minister Gu remarked that now in its 12th edition, the first Global Hakka Culture Conference took place in 2001. Founded in the same year, HAC is the only government institution dedicated to Hakka affairs in the world, long devoted to promote Taiwanese Hakka culture. The present accomplishments are a result of the enduring effort from ministers and senior figures through the years. She thanked Hakka people around the globe for their long devotion to safeguard Taiwan, expressing the hope that peace and hope are passed down to future generations—“Taiwanese Hakka is only possible through Taiwanese sovereignty.”
Themed “Taiwan, Leader of Hakka Worldwide”, this year’s Global Hakka Culture Conference gathered 77 overseas Hakka associations and nearly 400 local and international Hakka advocates and youths from 24 nations. Focused on public participation, language transmission, industry innovation, and artistic and cultural integration, they engaged in exchanges to promote Hakka affairs at the global level, demonstrating camaraderie and enthusiasm to push forward Hakka culture. Since its inception in 2002, the Global Hakka Culture Conference has become an important platform for Hakka people at home and abroad to strengthen their bonds and pass down their culture. The Conference not only showcased Taiwan’s leading position in promotion of international Hakka affairs, but also reaffirmed the commitment to conduct multidisciplinary exchanges and intergenerational dialogues as the times quickly change, turning ideas and policies into concrete actions.
