Almost all countries have citizens of different ethnic groups and religions and unfortunately in many countries they cannot find mutual understanding and live in peace. Four years ago, in time when I was applying for Ph.D. program at the National Chiao Tung University in Hsinchu, I was expecting that the citizens of Taiwan are very homogenous ethnic group. I didn’t expect that in Taiwan, relatively small country, are living so many different ethnic groups, e.g. Hoklo (Han Chinese), Hakka, Mainlanders as well as 14 officially recognized indigenous ethnic groups. Furthermore we can recently in Taiwan find many people (workers or students) belonging to South-Eastern Asian nations and Western nations too.

Another aspect that impresses me a lot is a variety of different religions in this small territory. During three years that I spent in Taiwan, I have had an opportunity to learn a lot about traditional Chinese religions as Taoism and Buddhism, but I had an opportunity to see and attend a lot of activities organized by Christians, Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims and even Hindus too. Besides these religions I know that in Taiwan are present other religions as Mormon Church and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Even though some time ago there were smaller conflicts between some of these groups, I’m sincerely pleased to see how all these ethnic and religious groups are recently living together in peace and together creates very advanced and modern society. Since I’m European I already visited a major part of our European countries as well as U.S. and United Arab Emirates. In few countries, because of studies or work, I stayed for 3 to 6 months, what, I believe, is a sufficient time to get at least first feelings about local situation and mutual integration of local ethnic and religious groups.

I think that all the countries that I visited could learn a lot from Taiwan as Taiwan represents an excellent example of a country where are living many ethnic groups in peace and mutual respect. From my very first day in Taiwan, I have been impressed by politeness and respect of Taiwanese people towards foreigners (no matter tourists, workers or students). No difference whether I was talking with classmate, professor, waitress, bus driver or just person on the street, I always received a very positive and polite feedback. Until now I’m having the feeling that here in Taiwan is always many people ready to help and care about me. People in many countries including us in Central Europe should definitely learn this positive and friendly attitude.

Another aspect that I’m finding worth to learn is the interest of Taiwanese people to attend the activities of other ethnic groups and nationalities. Several times I attended traditional activities of Taiwanese indigenous people and always I met there either Hoklo, Hakka or so called Mainlanders as well as other foreigners. I’ve to say that personally I got every time a feeling that all of us are there sincerely welcome. In our school we few times organized also international culture day, which every year obtained a huge audience consisting of local students as well as university employees.

I believe that all of us – World Citizens – should learn how to accept and respect the members of other ethnic groups and religions to live our lives in peace and make our planet more pleasant place to stay.

As conclusion, let me congratulate to Taiwan and Taiwanese citizens to having such a beautiful country with people respecting such important values. I really wish that Tai Ji Men will have enough energy and power to maintain, develop and spread the Human Rights concept all over Taiwan, Eastern Asia and rest of the world.