On October 21, 2026, National Taipei University of Education (NTUE) held an International Peace Lecture titled “Inside Humanitarian Action: Supporting Refugee Health and Protection Services in Lesbos.” Organized by the Office of International Affairs, the event featured Ms. Shandi Lin, Health Promoter and Community Engagement Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders), who shared her firsthand experiences in humanitarian work and the challenges of supporting refugee communities.

Drawing on her professional experience, Ms. Lin introduced the work of humanitarian teams on the Greek island of Lesbos, where many refugees face difficulties accessing healthcare, adequate living conditions, and basic protection. She explained how health promotion and community engagement help address the needs of displaced populations, emphasizing that effective humanitarian assistance involves more than providing medical treatment. Listening to people, understanding their circumstances, and respecting their dignity are equally important.

In today's world, where armed conflicts, political instability, natural disasters, and forced displacement continue to affect millions of people, the role of humanitarian organizations has become increasingly important. Teams such as MSF work in some of the world's most challenging environments, providing medical care and essential support to people who might otherwise have little or no access to assistance. Their work is a reminder that humanitarian needs do not stop at national borders and that international solidarity and cooperation are essential when people face crises beyond their control.

Students showed great interest in the topic and actively participated in the discussion, raising numerous questions about refugee welfare, healthcare, and the realities of working in humanitarian settings. The lively Q&A session reflected their curiosity and concern for people affected by displacement. Even after the lecture ended, students continued their conversations with Ms. Lin, asking further questions and exchanging ideas. Their enthusiasm showed how the lecture had encouraged them to think more deeply about global issues and the people behind the headlines.

The event was hosted by Professor Hsieh, I-Chun, Dean of the Office of International Affairs at NTUE. It gave students and faculty a valuable opportunity to hear directly from someone with practical experience in humanitarian work and to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by aid workers in the field.

Through its International Peace Lecture series, NTUE continues to bring important global issues into the university community. The lecture also offered an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace—not simply as the absence of conflict, but as a world in which people can live with dignity, receive the care they need, and have their basic rights protected. By learning about the work of humanitarian teams and the people they serve, students are encouraged to look beyond geographical boundaries and recognize their shared responsibility toward others.