Taipei: A group of Taiwanese youths selected for a government-funded annual ambassadorship program, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators for the first time, is set to visit Taiwan's South Pacific and Caribbean allies later this month to promote people-to-people exchanges, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Wednesday.

According to Focus Taiwan, during a send-off ceremony for the 45 members of the International Youth Ambassadors held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) headquarters in Taipei, Lin announced that the "youth ambassadors" will be divided into two groups this year, with one traveling to Palau and the other to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Kitts and Nevis from late August to early September. The ambassadors are scheduled to engage with local officials and youth, perform, and promote Taiwan's culture during their visits.

Lin emphasized the evolving nature of diplomacy, stating, "everyone is a diplomat," highlighting the inclusion of young drone specialists in the program for the first time. This initiative aims to combine technology with youth diplomacy to showcase Taiwan's innovation and creativity. Lin encouraged the youth ambassadors to be "confident, humble, and creative," urging them to use their talents, perspectives, and experiences to narrate Taiwan's story and highlight its uniqueness to the world.

The MOFA-funded annual project targets Taiwanese students aged 18 to 35, facilitating visits to diplomatic allies for exchanges and cultural promotion. Since its inception in 2009, more than 1,900 Taiwanese students have participated in the program. This year's program also sees the introduction of members from the newly established Taiwan International Youth Ambassador Association. Ten members from this association will join the visits to Palau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, helping to convey the experience and spirit of previous programs.

The Taiwan International Youth Ambassador Association, established in May with MOFA's support, serves as a networking platform for young individuals who previously attended the Youth Ambassador program and other diplomacy-related exchange programs, aiming to expand international engagement. Additionally, six campus ambassadors selected by the MOFA-funded Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) will visit Saint Lucia and Eswatini to observe firsthand Taiwan's collaboration with its partners and local communities.