Taiwan-France Higher Education Roundtable Forum:
The Role of Universities and Academic Freedom in the Future of Democracy
A group photo of the Taiwanese representatives from UAAT and EUTW with former French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau(third from the left), and François Taddei, founder of the Learning Planet Institute(second from the left), Frank Paris, Director of Bureau Français de Taipei (third from the right).
On May 5, 2025, the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT), in collaboration with the Bureau Français de Taipei (BFT) and the EU Centre in Taiwan (EUTW), co-hosted the Taiwan-France Higher Education Roundtable Forum at National Taiwan University. This inaugural partnership between UAAT and BFT brought together esteemed scholars and education leaders from both countries to explore the evolving role of universities in democratic societies and the critical importance of academic freedom.
This forum marked the first official collaboration between UAAT and BFT. Chaired by Professor Hung-Dah Su, Director of the EU Centre in Taiwan and faculty member of the Department of Political Science at NTU, the roundtable featured distinguished speakers including Sylvie Retailleau, former French Minister of Higher Education and Research; François Taddei, founder of the Learning Planet Institute; and Professor Shu-Ying Chang, Vice President of Taipei Medical University. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Chung-Chih Wu, Vice President for Research and Development at NTU and representative of the UAAT Secretariat, and Mr. Franck Paris, Director of the Bureau Français de Taipei.
The forum gathered scholars and students from various academic institutions in Taiwan and abroad for an in-depth roundtable discussion, focusing on the contemporary challenges facing higher education. It also served to strengthen academic exchanges and interactions between Taiwan and France, particularly among UAAT member universities.
The forum explored key topics including academic freedom, innovation, and the democratic values embedded in higher education. The participating scholars drew upon their professional expertise and practical experience to underscore the vital role of academic freedom in fostering innovation, advancing knowledge, and upholding the democratic spirit within universities. The event sparked vibrant and diverse perspectives, with active engagement from faculty and students through questions and discussions, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere.
The successful conclusion of the forum marked a significant step toward deepening Taiwan-France cooperation in higher education and established a new platform for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.