MOFA’s Diplomatic Training Facility Seeks to Evolve into Leading Global Think Tank
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is taking bold steps towards transforming its existing diplomatic training facility into a globally recognized think tank. The head of the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) outlined plans to collaborate with international think tanks and gradually position the IDIA as a world-class research institution.
Winston Chen (陳文儀), the president of IDIA, stated at a briefing on Tuesday that the facility has long been responsible for training new and mid-career diplomats, while also fostering academic exchanges with global foreign service and policy research institutions. Since its reorganization in 2012, the IDIA has been a hub for shaping Taiwan’s diplomatic professionals.
The Vision: A World-Class Think Tank
The IDIA was first established in 1969 under the name Foreign Service Training Institute, later renamed the Foreign Service Institute in 1971. Following Taiwan’s government reorganization in 2012, the facility’s role was redefined, but it was under Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) that the IDIA’s mission evolved further.
Lin, who is also the founder of Taiwan ThinkTank, has tasked the IDIA with expanding its international role by engaging more with think tanks, both domestically and globally. Chen mentioned that the objective is to focus on issues that directly impact Taiwan, including global conflicts, energy self-sufficiency, and European integration.
By cultivating closer ties with international experts, scholars, and think tank leaders, Lin hopes that the IDIA will eventually become a key player in global diplomatic discourse, producing research and policy insights that can influence Taiwan’s foreign policy direction.
Focus on Seminars and Conferences for Knowledge Exchange
The IDIA has already begun holding seminars on a variety of topics of interest to Taiwan, including diplomatic strategies, international relations, and emerging global challenges. MOFA’s budget proposal for 2025 indicates that the IDIA will be collaborating with more think tanks to organize additional international conferences, further positioning Taiwan as a key player in global diplomatic affairs.
“We hope to achieve Minister Lin’s vision in stages,” Chen said. The first step will focus on deepening ties with local and international think tanks to strengthen Taiwan’s intellectual and diplomatic presence.
The Role of Think Tanks in Taiwan’s Diplomatic Strategy
In addition to training diplomats, the goal of the IDIA as a think tank is to provide critical research and offer insights on diplomatic issues. This will help to shape Taiwan’s foreign policy decisions and enable the country to better navigate complex international challenges.
| Focus Areas of IDIA | Key Activities | Collaborations |
|---|---|---|
| Global Conflicts | Hosting seminars and international discussions | Working with international think tanks |
| Energy Self-Sufficiency | Research and policy insights | Partnerships with energy research institutions |
| European Integration | Collaborative academic research | Engaging European think tanks and experts |
| Diplomatic Strategies for Taiwan | Organizing global diplomatic conferences | Local and international academic exchanges |
What’s Next for Taiwan’s IDIA?
Under the guidance of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, the IDIA is focusing on building a robust network of international scholars and policymakers. Chen noted that the facility’s future transformation into a think tank will happen progressively, with an emphasis on research and diplomacy.
While Chen and Lin have not directly explained the full scope of the need for such a think tank, the 2025 budget proposal makes it clear that it will focus on creating a research-driven institution that can provide critical insights into Taiwan’s foreign relations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the purpose of the IDIA?
The IDIA is Taiwan’s primary diplomatic training facility, responsible for educating new and mid-career diplomats while promoting academic exchanges with foreign policy institutions. - What is Taiwan’s vision for the IDIA?
Taiwan aims to transform the IDIA into a world-class think tank that will focus on issues relevant to Taiwan’s foreign policy, including global conflicts, energy independence, and European integration. - How is the IDIA engaging with international think tanks?
The IDIA is collaborating with both local and global think tanks, organizing seminars and conferences to exchange ideas and research on diplomatic issues. - What are the primary areas of focus for the IDIA?
The IDIA’s key focus areas include global conflicts, energy self-sufficiency, European integration, and enhancing Taiwan’s diplomatic strategies. - What is the role of think tanks in Taiwan’s foreign policy?
Think tanks like the IDIA play a crucial role in providing research, policy analysis, and strategic insights that help shape Taiwan’s foreign policy decisions.
