Taipei: The Taipei City government and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office unveiled Taiwan's inaugural "Havel's Bench" in the capital. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an described it as a symbol of the close relationship between Taipei and the Czech Republic.
According to Focus Taiwan, the ceremony took place in Ta'an Park, attended by notable figures such as Czech Senate Speaker Milo€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡ Vystrcil and Czech Economic and Cultural Office Representative David Steinke. The bench installation is a collaborative effort between the city government and the Czech office, designed to promote democratic dialogue by encouraging people with different views to engage in conversation and work together.
Named in honor of V¡clav Havel, a prominent human rights advocate and the first president of the Czech Republic, the bench is part of a global public art initiative. It aims to foster civic dialogue that bridges divides and finds common ground. The art installation comprises two chairs and a round table with a tree growing through its center, symbolizing the nurturing and development of democracy.
The chosen tree species for Taipei, approved by Havel's widow, is the crape myrtle. Vystrcil expressed his honor in witnessing the unveiling, coinciding with Havel's 90th birth anniversary, and shared pride in the Czech Republic's contributions of freedom and democracy globally. He hopes that the installation will inspire worldwide dialogue and collaboration.
The proposal for a "Havel's Bench" was initiated three years ago, leading to joint efforts between Taipei and the Czech office to select a suitable location and design. The bench not only honors Havel's legacy but also signifies the strong ties between Taipei and the Czech Republic, as emphasized by Mayor Chiang.
Deputy Foreign Minister Fran§ois Wu highlighted Havel's global standing as a symbol of democracy and human rights. The bench serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and protecting these values. Since the first unveiling in Washington, D.C. in 2013, Taipei becomes the third Asian city to host a Havel's Bench, following Hiroshima and Seoul, marking the 61st installation worldwide.