Expressing their support for Taiwan at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), five of the nation’s allies called for its acceptance into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
COP30 commenced yesterday and runs through Friday next week in Belem, Brazil.
At the leaders’ summit and the thematic session held on Thursday and Friday last week respectively, representatives of the five allies urged the international community to accept Taiwan as a member nation of the UNFCCC, the ministry said.
Photo: AP
They are Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr, Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, Saint Kitts and Nevis Minister of the Environment Joyelle Clarke and Tuvaluan Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Maina Vakafua Talia.
Dlamini said that the UN principle of “leave no one behind” is not just a battle cry, but a commitment that should be practiced.
The world must work together to address one of the most difficult challenges in human history and embrace all members of the international community, particularly as countries such as the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) continue to be left by the UN and its specialized agencies, he said.
Whipps said that “leave no one behind” is the fundamental rule stipulating that all international partners, including Taiwan, should have a say on climate issues.
Taiwan can help step up the global transition against climate change via science-based actions, he said.
Kaneko said the Marshall Islands has long urged the international community to accept Taiwan as a member nation of the UNFCCC.
All countries must take part in climate solutions and have the right to voice their opinions at COP meetings, he said.
Clarke said climate action should not be exclusive, as small island developing states need development partners.
With technical support from the ROC, Saint Kitts and Nevis can modernize its power grid and upgrade its power transmission system, he said.
Talia said the cooperation on addressing climate change should be prioritized, which is why Taiwan should be recognized by the UNFCCC.
The ministry expressed gratitude to all the allies for taking action to support Taiwan’s participation in international climate governance mechanisms.
Taiwan is eager to fulfill its responsibility as a member of the international community, and continue to closely collaborate with allied countries and like-minded partners, thereby contributing to climate change adaptation through collective action, it said.
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