This year's World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN) conference, the 2025 WIBN in Taiwan, officially opened tonight (August 14) with a grand welcome dinner at the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Downtown. The event, organized by the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation, brought together Vice President Bi-khim Louise Hsiao and Indigenous media delegates from around the world. Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur delivered opening remarks, expressing hopes that the event would strengthen Taiwan's international network and cultural diplomacy in Indigenous media.

The dinner gathered 25 indigenous media executives and representatives from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Norway, including leading public broadcasters such as Whakaata Māori (New Zealand Māori Television), APTN (Canada), SBS/NITV (Australia), and NRK Sápmi (Norway). This marks the first time since 2010 that Taiwan has hosted the WIBN annual conference. Vice President Hsiao also addressed guests at the event, drawing extensive coverage from domestic and international media. Through this world-class exchange, Taiwan seeks to share the beauty of indigenous culture with the world and reaffirm its presence on the global stage.

In his speech, Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur emphasized that since its establishment in 2008, the WIBN has been dedicated to connecting indigenous media organizations worldwide and sharing resources to help preserve endangered indigenous languages and cultures. Taiwan, which joined the network that same year, has remained an active and valued member. "Like our global partners, we firmly believe in the power of telling our own stories in our own languages," he said. "Media is central to cultural transmission and collective identity." The minister added that the CIP will continue to collaborate with domestic and international indigenous media partners to enhance professional capacity, strengthen media representation, and safeguard indigenous peoples' right to access and participate in media.