The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe and is known for its major role in peace-keeping, peace-building, conflict prevention, and humanitarian aid. Via its specialized agencies, funds, and programs, the UN system also improves people’s lives through sustainable development, refugee protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament, and the promotion of human rights, international health, and economic and social development.
Since withdrawing from the UN in 1971, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been excluded from formal participation in UN meetings, mechanisms, conventions and activities. In 1993, the government launched its first UN campaign, calling upon nations worldwide to recognize the fundamental right of the 23 million people of Taiwan to expand their participation in the UN system. This in turn would help Taiwan raise domestic conditions and policies to international norms and further contribute to the world community.
Since President Tsai Ing-wen assumed office in May 2016, the government has remained committed to gaining pragmatic, professional, and constructive participation in UN specialized agencies and mechanisms crucial to the welfare of the people of Taiwan and the nation’s development, while upholding national sovereignty and dignity, and ensuring the welfare of the people. Thus, Taiwan has focused on certain key institutions, namely, the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization , and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
To further safeguard the people’s welfare, the government has been incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015 into joint projects with diplomatic allies. Such projects show the world the efforts of Taiwan and its allies with respect to poverty reduction, education, health care and disease prevention, and economic development. In this way, the government serves as a responsible member of the international community and establishes sustainable partnerships with other countries.