Taipei unveils 'Havel's Bench' symbolizing democratic dialogue

Taipei, June 3 (CNA) The Taipei City government and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office on Wednesday unveiled Taiwan's first "Havel's Bench" in the capital, with the mayor describing it as a symbol of close ties between Taipei and the Czech Republic.

At a ceremony held in Ta'an Park, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said the public art installation represents the idea that people with different views can better understand one another and work together through democratic dialogue.

This is a concept that should apply to the different political parties in Taiwan, he added.

The unveiling ceremony was also attended by Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil and Czech Economic and Cultural Office Representative David Steinke.

The bench was jointly established by the city government and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office.

Named in honor of the human rights advocate Václav Havel, a leading figure in the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the first president of the Czech Republic, the bench is part of a global public art project. It seeks to promote civic dialogue -- conversations that bring people with different views together to address public problems, bridge deep divides and find common ground.

The Taipei City government said the art installation consists of two chairs and a round table, with a tree growing through the center of the table.

It symbolizes people of different opinions sitting down together to actively listen to each other, try to reach consensus and collaborate on problem-solving. It also symbolizes democracy, like a tree, growing through continuous nurturing and development, the mayor said.

The tree species selected for Taipei, with approval from Havel's widow, is the crape myrtle, Chiang added.

Vystrčil said he was honored to witness the unveiling of the first Havel's Bench in Taiwan on the 90th anniversary of Havel's birth.

He also said he is proud that the Czech Republic has been able to export freedom, democracy, solidarity and love to the world.

He expressed hope that the spirit of the installation will spread around the world encouraging people to sit down, exchange ideas, and seek solutions beyond individual interests.

After receiving the proposal to install a "Havel's Bench" three years ago, the city government and the Czech office searched for a suitable location, conducted joint inspections, design, and discussions about the tree species to be used, Chiang said.

The bench pays tribute to Havel and symbolizes the close ties between Taipei and the Czech Republic, according to the mayor.

Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu (吳志中) said that Havel is not only a symbol of Czech democracy, but also a global role model in the pursuit of freedom and human rights.

The bench serves as a reminder that freedom, dignity, and human rights are precious assets that every society should cherish and protect, he said.

The first Havel's Bench was unveiled in Washington, D.C. in 2013.

Taipei is the third Asian city to install one after Hiroshima and Seoul, and the 61st worldwide.