The Foreign Ministry’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA), known for training diplomats, now has a new mission. IDIA President Amb. Winston Chen ((陳文儀) said on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has tasked the institution to transform itself into a leading international think tank as well.
Chen said that the institute is carrying out the implementation in stages, endeavoring to engage with domestic and international think tanks and organize seminars on key issues affecting Taiwan.
The institute, traditionally focused on diplomatic training, international exchanges, and public diplomacy, is now expanding its role to include policy research and thought leadership. Chen highlighted initiatives such as organizing trilateral dialogues with friendly nations, addressing international conflicts, energy independence, and European integration. The goal is to encourage collaboration among experts and think tank leaders to tackle pressing global and regional challenges.
Chen also mentioned the Pacific Island Leadership Training Program as part of their efforts aimed at fostering deeper ties with Pacific Island nations. This year, participants lived in Indigenous communities in Pingtung and Taitung, fostering genuine cultural connections and advancing Taiwan’s “Indigenous diplomacy.” The program also addresses shared challenges, such as population decline and cultural heritage preservation, encouraging collaborative solutions.