The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held an event entitled “Stronger Together—2022 International Organizations Day” at the Taipei Guest House on October 22. It highlighted Taiwan’s participation in international organizations through interactive exhibition booths, and provided insights into joint efforts and achievements by Taiwan’s public and private sectors. The event hopes to foster understanding of Taiwan’s involvement in intergovernmental organizations among Taiwan’s citizens, especially young students, and to consolidate citizens’ support for Taiwan’s international participation.
This was the first activity of its kind organized by MOFA to focus on Taiwan’s participation in intergovernmental organizations. More than 20 government agencies, institutions, and groups were invited to participate. The theme of the event, “Stronger Together,” was in line with the spirit of advancing international participation, representing the whole of government effort and highlighting the long-standing support and friendship extended to Taiwan by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations. The event also echoed Taiwan’s second voluntary national review of its implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrated its assistance in realizing these goals globally through participation in international organizations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu; Ambassador of Nauru to Taiwan Jarden Kephas, serving as representative of the Diplomatic Corps; and Director General Marco Wopereis of the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), which is headquartered in Taiwan, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. The ceremony also featured an indigenous dance performance by the Tafalong Dance Group to celebrate the fact that Taiwan became a founding member of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) this year.
Attending the opening ceremony were Legislators Chiu Tai-yuan and Fan Yun, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection Shen Chih-hsiu, Vice Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Chen Chao-chien, representatives of related government agencies, Ambassadors at Large Eugene Chien and Wu Yung-tung, Ambassadors and Representatives to Taiwan from 30 countries, representatives of three intergovernmental organizations, as well as representatives, scholars, and experts from several related institutions and civil society groups.
In his remarks, Minister Wu stressed that Taiwan, as a model of democratic success and a reliable partner, is able to contribute to the international community. He stated that Taiwan actively participates in 69 intergovernmental organizations and engages in extensive cooperation with fellow members in various domains that touch every aspect of our lives. Minister Wu also noted that Taiwan’s continued exclusion from the UN and its specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, has denied Taiwan the opportunity to address pressing global challenges alongside the international community. He thanked diplomatic allies and friendly partners for continuing to speak up for Taiwan at international venues and to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Ambassador Kephas stated that the world agenda has emphasized inclusive development in recent years, benefiting numerous developing countries like Nauru. Yet despite its utmost efforts to seek international participation, Taiwan has long been excluded from the UN system for reasons that are widely known. He commended Taiwan for playing a vital role in the international community, making positive contributions to global endeavors and serving as an encouraging force for progress and peace. He also observed that other countries can see the benefit of engaging in friendly cooperation with Taiwan. The understanding that Taiwan can help is growing such that it can no longer be ignored by the world.
Director General Wopereis stated that the world is facing many challenges today, such as food security, malnutrition, and climate change, which can only be effectively addressed through international cooperation. Noting that this resonated with the theme of the event, “Stronger Together,” he emphasized that only through cooperation across borders could peaceful and resilient societies be created. He pledged that WorldVeg would continue to help Taiwan share professional expertise for the benefit of other countries through regional and international networks.
Today’s event received an enthusiastic response and widespread public acclaim. It featured 19 booths showcasing exhibits on four main topics—Taiwan’s bids for participation in major international organizations, APEC-related organizations, specialized international organizations, and international organizations in Taiwan. In addition to introducing prominent international organizations through text and graphics, the event also featured interactive activities. The National Police Agency put on a counterterrorism demonstration and displayed armored vehicles, indicating Taiwan’s commitment to seeking participation in INTERPOL. MOFA also invited young Taiwanese participants in the APEC Voices of the Future program to share their experience winning the right to represent Taiwan and attend meetings overseas in the hope of encouraging young people to participate in international organizations. The International Organizations Day event remained open to the public until 3 p.m. (E)
Sources: MOFA
