
【SDG 16】Republic of the Marshall Islands Holds Annual Remembrance Event in New Taipei City, Deepening International Youth Exchange and Cultural Understanding
2026-04-10
To encourage young people to gain a deeper understanding of the cultures of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, the New Taipei City Youth Department and the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) partnered to foster youth exchange by convening the "Nuclear Victims' Remembrance Day" (NVRD) event on March 31 2026 at the New Taipei Youth Station. Through the performance of traditional chants, documentary screenings, and exhibitions of handicrafts and photography, the Ambassador and Marshallese Students in Taiwan Association (RMISA)commemorated their national history while conveying the profound importance of peace and environmental sustainability and creating an opportunity for young people to engage in cross-cultural dialogue while learning about the history, resilience, and traditions of the Marshallese people.
During her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Anjanette Kattil of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reflected on the historical significance of the commemoration, noting that between 1946 and 1958, the RMI endured 67 nuclear tests, which caused profound and devastating impacts on the environment and the health and well-being of Marshallese communities. In recognition of this history, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, observes March 1st as "Nuclear Victims' Remembrance Day," holding annual events to honor history those affected and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to peace. Ambassador Kattil emphasized that the commemoration serves not only as a time to mourn the past, but also as a call to protect the future. She also expressed her sincere appreciation to the New Taipei City Government for providing a platform to share this important history with a broader audience and to promote greater understanding among young people in Taiwan.
Commissioner Chiu of the New Taipei City Youth Department, noted that to equip New Taipei’s youth with an international perspective, and continues to maintain close contact with embassies and representative offices through its "International Youth Talent Cultivation Program." This initiative provides civic diplomacy courses and institutional visits to cultivate international communication and diplomatic skills among the youth. She addressed that it’s an honor that the RMI Embassy chose to hold such a significant national commemorative event at the New Taipei Youth Station. It provides our youth with a unique opportunity to understand the history and culture of our ally and fosters cross-cultural empathy.
The New Taipei City Youth Department emphasized that collaborating with embassies not only helps youth recognize Taiwan's diplomatic allies but also provides a broader perspective for engaging in international affairs. The RMI and Taiwan share deep roots within the Austronesian culture and a common maritime heritage. By leading youth into the stories of these islands through cross-cultural activities, the Department aims to go beyond textbooks, enabling young people to engage in deep dialogues with individuals from diverse backgrounds, thereby cultivating cross-cultural empathy and global competitiveness.
The Youth Department will continue to promote diverse and in-depth international exchanges to assist youth in enhancing their global competitiveness. The new phase of the "International Youth Talent Cultivation Program" is scheduled to launch in May. Youth interested in international participation are encouraged to follow the official website and Instagram of the New Taipei City Youth Department for detailed information.
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