Taiwan should be included in the UN’s efforts towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The theme of 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is “Restoring trust and rekindling global unity: Speeding up action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in pursuit of peace, prosperity, advancement, and sustainability for everyone.” It underscores the UN’s recognition that the world is currently at a critical juncture, emphasizing the importance of all nations coming together and expediting their efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Over the past year, the world has faced many challenges. The expansion of authoritarianism has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic crises for countries worldwide, posing a threat to the established rules-based international order. The conflict initiated by Russia against Ukraine has greatly disturbed both regional and global peace, representing a clear departure from the UN Charter’s principle of resolving disputes peacefully. Additionally, China’s ongoing military provocations have significantly changed the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, putting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region at risk.

Moreover, addressing climate change, post-pandemic recovery, sustainable development, and other global challenges requires active involvement of all countries. Taiwan has been an international force for good and a responsible member of the global community. It is ready to collaborate with nations worldwide, leveraging its expertise and capabilities to promote sustainable development and facilitate global recovery efforts in the wake of the pandemic.

Attention should be especially brought to the UN’s SDGs, designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed. 

We can say with pride that Taiwan has been doing its part to help achieve the 17 SDGs by cooperating with the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on various projects. From agriculture, public health, environmental protection, ICT, women empowerment, renewable energy, to education, Taiwan has committed itself to different projects to assist with the capacity building of St. Kitts and Nevis. Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN is denying the international community of an opportunity to benefit from Taiwan’s contributions.

We urge the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system. This can be achieved by granting Taiwan a role within the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on matters requiring worldwide collaboration. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings.

At this critical juncture, including Taiwan is a crucial next step if we hope to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Taiwan calls on the United Nations to allow Taiwan’s dignified and meaningful participation in the UN system, including in meetings, mechanisms, and activities related to the implementation of the SDGs. This would further enhance global cooperation and partnership, in addition to highlighting the principle of leaving no one behind.

Michael Lin

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis

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