Taiwan broadens campaign for UN participation
THE 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly ( UNGA) will convene on September 18 at UN headquarters as its General Debate is scheduled from September 25 to October 1. In order to meet the expectations of the 23 million Taiwanese people participating in the UN system, the government of Taiwan has decided to continue UN related campaigns.
This year, Taiwan has decided to campaign its participation through “Taiwan, a Vital Global Partner in the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs).” This echoes the theme of the 73rd session of the UNGA General Debate, “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: Global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable, and sustainable societies.” In this regard, Taiwan is calling on the international community to recognize its determination to contribute to regional and global affairs.
In addition to requesting its diplomatic allies to speak up at the UNGA General Debate, Taiwan’s government has solicited allies’ Permanent Representatives to the UN to write to UN Secretary- General António Guterres, urging him to resolve the long- pending issue of the exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system in accordance with the spirit of the UN Charter and upholding the principles of fairness and justice.
This year, the main appeals of Taiwan’s UN bid are as follows: that the people of Taiwan should be treated equally to those of other nations and that UN should resolve the serious issue of Taiwan’s 23 million people being excluded from the UN system; that Taiwan passport holders and journalists should be granted unfettered access to the UN premises; and
well-being of all humankind and Taiwan should not be left behind.
To help the international community gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s appeals, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu will author an op- ed, and the Ministry will produce a series of short videos about its implementation of SDGs addressing Taiwan’s fulfillments in the areas of clean energy, universal health coverage and the circular economy.
The government will also host a series of events on sustainable development in New York City during the UN General Assembly to demonstrate that Taiwan places great importance on achieving the SDGs. These events can help deepen the understanding of the UN community about Taiwan’s relevant effort.
Taiwan’s civil society and overseas compatriot communities will hold creative and lively events at the same time to express a clear message to the UN, that the Taiwanese are willing and able to implement the SDGs in conjunction with the rest of the world.
Taiwan government thanked its diplomatic allies and friendly nations for supporting and assisting Taiwan’s participation in the UN system. It also calls upon the United Nations to recognize Taiwan’s willingness and determination to make contributions to the world and the region. Taiwan urges the UN to respond positively to its appeals, and welcome its participation in the UN system in line with the principles of equality and reciprocity, in order to safeguard UN ideals and well- being of humankind.