Taiwan X The Netherlands Forum - Alliance for Democracy

Building inclusive and trusted societies
About this Event

Taiwan × The Netherlands Forum 2026

Alliance for Democracy — Building inclusive and trusted societies

How can Taiwan and the Netherlands learn from each other to strengthen democracy?

Join us in Utrecht on Saturday, 7 November 2026, for an afternoon of dialogue on public trust, inclusion, disinformation, technology and societal resilience.

Democracies face challenges that increasingly cross borders. Political polarisation, information manipulation and rapid technological change are reshaping public life, while societies must prepare for crises without compromising democratic values.

The Forum is designed as a curated, high-level gathering of approximately 60 participants, bringing together distinguished speakers and participants from Taiwan and the Netherlands. Policymakers, researchers, journalists, technology experts, civil-society representatives and community leaders will exchange experiences and explore practical responses to shared challenges.

With a deliberately focused gathering, the Forum creates space for substantive dialogue, direct exchange and meaningful connection. Connecting perspectives from Taiwan, the Netherlands and Europe, it offers participants opportunities to build relationships and identify areas for future cooperation.

Four conversations about the future of democracy

• Democracy & Public Trust: How can democratic institutions build and maintain trust amid geopolitical pressure and changing public expectations?
• Inclusive Democracy & Social Participation: How can we address discrimination and exclusion so that more people can participate and feel represented?
• Disinformation & Information Integrity: How can open societies respond to information manipulation while protecting free expression and public debate?
• Societal Resilience in the AI Era: How can democracies govern emerging technologies responsibly while strengthening public trust and helping citizens, institutions and civil society prepare for crises?

The programme includes an opening dialogue, four thematic panels and a closing discussion connecting the afternoon’s insights around a shared question: What makes a democracy resilient without making it less democratic?

Who should attend?

The Forum welcomes professionals, students, researchers, policymakers, civil-society organisations and anyone interested in democratic societies and Taiwan–Netherlands cooperation. Bring your curiosity, experience and an interest in exchanging perspectives with people working across different fields.

Event details

Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Time: 13:00–17:00 CET
Venue: TIAS School for Business and Society, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Language: English
Expected participation: Approximately 60 participants

For more details: https://taiwanxnetherlands.com/

The programme and session times are subject to change. Speakers may participate on-site or online.

Photography and filming will take place during the Forum. If you prefer not to appear in photos or video, please indicate this when registering or let the organising team know on arrival.

About TYPIN

Taiwanese Young Professionals in the Netherlands (TYPIN) is a non-profit organisation connecting people, ideas and institutions across Taiwan and the Netherlands.

Founded in 2012, TYPIN creates opportunities for professionals, students, researchers, policymakers and community leaders to exchange expertise, build meaningful relationships and develop practical cooperation. Its work spans professional and cultural exchange, public affairs and societal dialogue, helping Taiwanese professionals and young people engage with Dutch society and contribute to public life.

The Taiwan × The Netherlands Forum 2026 reflects this mission: turning dialogue into sustained connections and collaborative responses to shared democratic challenges.

Register to join the conversation in Utrecht.

Agenda

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Opening dialogue: Building Democratic Resilience
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:10 PM
Panel One - Maintaining Trust in Democracy in a Changing World
Host: 嚴婉玲

Info: How do geopolitical pressure, political narratives and citizen participation shape trust in democratic institutions? A conversation connecting external challenges with what citizens experience at home.

🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:55 PM
Panel Two - Who Gets to Participate and Belong?
Host: Sean Sih-Cheng Du (小杜/杜思誠)

Info: From understanding prejudice and exclusion to the work of local institutions and Taiwan’s LGBTQIA+ movement: how can more people participate in democratic life?

🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:50 PM
Panel Three - Disinformation & Information Integrity
Host: Chou Yi (Zoe) 周頤

Info: Explore foreign information influence, media literacy and civil-society responses. How can an open democracy protect its information environment while preserving open political discussion?

🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:35 PM
Panel Four - Societal Resilience in the AI era
Host: Enoch Wu 吳怡農

Info: As AI and critical technologies transform our strategic environment, societies face entirely new dimensions of hybrid threats. By bridging Europe’s landscape with Taiwan’s proactive civil preparedness, this panel explores the essential blend of democratic safeguards, public trust, and practical skills needed to ensure readiness in a tech-driven era.