【活動主題】2025綠衣使節國際交流 (I) – 坎培拉國會參訪與駐外單位拜會

【活動日期】 2025年7月2日(三)上午10點40分至下午2點40分

【活動地點】澳洲坎培拉 國會與駐澳台北經濟文化辦事處

【活動報導】

    今年七月，第十三屆綠衣使節團展開為期六天的澳洲城市探索與國際交流之旅。於七月二日，使節們前往首都坎培拉，參訪澳洲國會及駐澳洲台北經濟文化辦事處，進一步加深對當地政體與臺澳關係的理解。

    首先前往的澳洲國會由聯邦眾議員 David Smith 的幕僚長 Bryce Wilson 為使節團進行國會建築的導覽，介紹國會建築各區域的功能與設計特色。其中，部分設計承襲過往英國殖民時期的色彩，如地毯顏色所代表的象徵意義——藉由不同色彩區分職能空間與所屬人員，例如：鋪設綠色地毯的區域為眾議院及眾議員辦公區。導覽途中，幕僚長也提及國會大門正對面的戰爭紀念區，提醒著議員們要記得過往人民爭取權益所做的犧牲與奉獻，並持續為自由及民主奮鬥。如此深具意義的建築意象著實令人驚嘆。而後續幕僚也透過清晰而生動的解說導覽，帶領使節初步認識澳洲議會的制度、也反思政治對一國前景與發展的關鍵性影響。

    接著，使節團抵達駐澳台北經濟文化代表處，和駐澳大使徐佑典及代表處成員們進行餐敘。處室人員們熱情地以捲餅等食物款待使節們，而團長也代表學校致贈了一座小獎盃，以表達對大使在過去這半年協助使節團處理出訪事宜的誠摯感謝。在享用美食的同時，使節們向徐大使提出許多和外交工作相關的問題。大使提到外交領域並非如同狹義的想像中那樣只須處理政事方面的單純事務，而是包辦了許多不同面向的業務。像是當境內之國人遭遇意外時，需快速介入並進行緊急救助與協助後續之安排等。另外，當被問及外交領事人員可能面臨的壓力、挫折時，大使回答道：其實不必用這些「想像中」的困境來綁住自己，而是要一直相信著自己，堅守信念，並盡力地將問題迎刃而解。

    最後，大使及代表處的人員們勉勵使節們，外交是個能不斷學習、精進自己的領域，未來若有機會投入相關工作，將能在第一線為臺灣的利益及福祉奮鬥。不論是否有進入外交領域的想法，相信每位使節皆在此次外交行程中對澳洲政治、臺灣外交的內容有了更深入的了解。

【Topic】The 2025 School Ambassador International Exchange Program -　The Visit to Canberra Parliament House and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

【Date】 July 2nd, 2025 10:40 a.m. ~ 02:40 p.m.

【Location】Canberra Parliament House, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia

【News report】

This July, the 13th Taipei First Girls’ High School’s Student Ambassador (TFGSA) embarked on a six-day trip to Australia, with schedules including international exchange programs and city explorations. On July 2nd, the student ambassadors headed to the country’s capital city, Canberra, for a visit to the Parliament House and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Australia.

While visiting the former, the Electorate Officers for David Smith, a Member of Parliament (MP), gave the ambassadors an elaborate tour of the building’s structure and design, including introductions to each working place and some other spectacular features. Moreover, some of the layouts inherited the traditions back in the colonial period, and the colors of the carpets are one of those. This was used to distinguish and demonstrate different personnel working there. For instance, the areas with the green carpet are the House of Representatives and the office of its members.

The officers also mentioned the significance of the Anzac Parade, located right across the entrance of the Parliament House. It serves as a reminder to MPs of the sacrifices and dedication of those who fought for their rights, renewing their resolve to continue striving for freedom and democracy. The architecture of the Parliament House truly evokes vivid imagery with its spectacular and astonishing designs. Additionally, through the officers’ detailed tour and explanation, the ambassadors are believed to have gained a deeper understanding of Australia’s Parliamentary system, as well as reflecting on the critical impact politics have on a country’s prospects and development.

Later, the ambassadors set off to the TECO for a meal gathering with Taiwan’s Ambassador to Australia, Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu, and other members of the office. As a sincere expression of appreciation for Ambassador Douglas’ support and assistance in the International Exchange Program, the program’s leader presented a trophy to the Ambassador representing TFG.

While having the meal, the ambassadors asked the representative some questions about diplomatic affairs. He mentioned that the field involves more than just handling simple tasks; instead, their duty includes responsibilities in multiple roles.  For example, when citizens residing in the nation get in an accident, diplomats should immediately help introduce emergency aid and assist with later arrangements. Also, while encountering stress and difficulties as a diplomat, it is important not to limit oneself to the imaginary trap. As an alternative, one should constantly have faith in oneself and try to solve the problem.

Last but not least, Ambassador Douglas and other officers encouraged the ambassadors by sharing that the diplomatic field is where one could learn nonstop and keep on improving while fighting for the nation’s interests. Whether considering entering the field in the future or not, it’s believed that all ambassadors have delved deeper into Australia and Taiwan’s political affairs through the visits.