Hello good friends, good afternoon.
I am delighted to welcome you all to the “AIT@45 Music Exchange Encore!” concert. This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act, which established the foundation for the continuation of commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and Taiwan. Of course, the Act also created the American Institute in Taiwan. So, this event serves as our official celebration of AIT’s 45th birthday.
And what better way to celebrate a birthday than with great musical performances? As we reflect on 45 years of the rock-solid partnership between the people of Taiwan and the United States, we are reminded of the profound impact of cultural exchange on building bridges between people.
The U.S. Department of State has played a pivotal role in promoting international exchange programs globally since 1940. These exchange programs enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of foreign cultures, and to foster lasting connections that transcend borders. More than 3,000 people from Taiwan have participated in these exchange programs. Many of them are here today. I want to thank you for your continued support. You will always be a part of the AIT family.
Today’s concert is a testament to the enduring impact of these Department of State and AIT cultural exchange programs, including the Youth Leadership Exchange Program, OneBeat, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and Center Stage. Most of our performers today participated in these exchange programs. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to these talented musicians. Their dedication to their craft and the role they play as cultural representatives embodies the spirit of cooperation and friendship that defines the relationship between the United States and Taiwan.
Culture is a captivating and powerful way to understand people. After all, if you want to know what makes people happy, what they want to change, even what makes them angry, you go to the theater. You watch their movies and listen to their popular music. Because it’s all there. This is especially true in a democratic society where people have the ability to freely and publicly take on social issues without worrying about persecution.
The title of this afternoon’s concert is “AIT@45 Music Exchange Encore!”. “Encore” is a word that carries significance beyond its music connotations. It represents not just a repeat performance, but a continuation of a legacy, an ongoing commitment to cultural exchange, and the deepening of international friendships.
Finally, I’m hoping you enjoy the concert, and have a happy weekend!]
Now, on with the show!
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Source: American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)
Speaker: Sandra Oudkirk, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)
Format: Speech
China Policy Research 