Global Pathfinders Initiative hoping to welcome 85 youths from allies

Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) A government-funded program that enables youths from Taiwan's diplomatic allies to participate in short-term training in selected fields in Taiwan is still hoping to welcome 85 youths this year, a diplomat in charge of the project said Tuesday.

Launched in 2025, the "Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative -- Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track" brought 66 youths aged 18 to 30 from Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies to Taiwan last year, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Department of Policy Planning deputy chief Eric Lin (林世欣) at a weekly MOFA briefing.

Due to the program's success and high demand, Lin said Tuesday that more participants are expected this year and the possibility remains that all 85 openings made available for 2026 could be filled.

As of mid-August, 47 individuals had come to Taiwan under the program, but several openings remain and Lin encouraged aspiring participants to apply through Taiwan's embassies in their home countries.

The program allows people aged 18-30 from Taiwan's allies to spend a month in Taiwan exploring the country while developing innovative ideas that can be brought back to their home countries.

Participants can choose to engage in one of four fields: sustainable tourism; new energy and carbon-credit cooperation; smart medicine and healthcare; and smart agriculture, Lin said.

The program is an extension of the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, which was launched by Taiwan's government in early 2025.

It was originally established to offer more than 800 opportunities for Taiwanese nationals aged 15 to 30 to travel abroad for periods ranging from two weeks to one year, with a focus on fostering global connections and exchanges among Taiwanese young people.

The one-way program was later expanded into a two-way program by inviting youths from Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies to visit Taiwan for short-term training programs and cultural exchanges.