Elliot Wang: Unite for peace in the world and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the U.N.
Recent events, notably Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, highlight the disregard autocratic regimes have for global peace. The United Nations (U.N.), a cornerstone of international harmony, must respond resolutely. At the same time, Taiwan’s exclusion from the U.N. demands attention. China’s threats to Taiwan’s democracy and regional stability necessitate collective vigilance. In this interconnected world, crises transcend borders. Taiwan’s strategic importance in trade and technology underscores the need for stability in the Taiwan Strait. However, China’s actions challenge this stability, necessitating a united response. Taiwan’s absence in the U.N., a result of China’s manipulation of Resolution 2758, contradicts U.N. principles. As the upcoming U.N. General Assembly convenes to discuss global solidarity, Taiwan’s inclusion is a timely topic. By embracing inclusivity, the U.N. can tackle shared challenges like the Sustainable Development Goals effectively. Global crises showcase our united strength. Welcoming Taiwan affirms the U.N.’s commitment to peace and resisting authoritarianism. It’s not just inclusion; it’s proof unity conquers adversity. Elliot Wang, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta
Elliot Wang: Supporting Taiwan’s participation in the WHO
As the world enters the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, most border restrictions have been lifted, and global health governance has shifted from pandemic response to post-pandemic recovery. Taiwan fully supports health-related SDGs and the World Health Organization’s triple billion targets and is willing and able to share its experience to help the international community work toward the realization of the SDGs related to health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan effectively mitigated the spread of the disease, leveraging its comprehensive public healthcare system, well-trained anti-pandemic personnel, border control policies, coordinated distribution of medical resources, and a patient transfer system to prevent and contain the pandemic. When compared with the 38 Organizations for Economic Co-operation and Development member states and Singapore, Taiwan ranks sixth-lowest in COVID-19 mortality and case-fatality rates. The COVID-19 pandemic helped the international community recognize the importance of regional cooperation and digitization in healthcare. Taiwan established National Health Insurance (NHI) in 1995, which is a prime example of universal health coverage, offering financial protection and access to a wide range of essential services. Taiwan is committed to promoting digital health and innovation to enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, including plans for a next-generation NHI program, successfully echoing the Director-General of WHO’s five priorities for the subsequent five years, which were outlined last year. Taiwan has not been invited to the World Health Assembly since 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic is abating, and dialogue on strengthening health systems worldwide is accelerating. Taiwan should not be left out. Taiwan can help, and Taiwan’s inclusion would make the world healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable. Taiwan urges WHO and all relevant stakeholders to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly as an observer, as well as Taiwan’s full participation in WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities. Taiwan will continue to work with the world to help ensure the fundamental right to health enshrined in the WHO Constitution. In the spirit of the SDGs, no country should be left behind—especially not Taiwan, which has made significant contributions to global public health. Elliot Wang is the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.
