Remarks from seven allies backing Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change are deeply appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nov. 24.
During the Nov. 19-20 high-level segment of the 29th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Taiwan’s allies Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Palau, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines all expressed their staunch support.
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. said that Taiwan’s efforts and contribution to the Paris Agreement should be recognized, and a solution for climate change will require the participation of all countries. Joyelle Trizia Clarke, St. Kitts and Nevis’ minister of sustainable development, environment and climate action and constituency empowerment, added that Taiwan’s experience and expertise must be taken into consideration.
Carlos James, minister of tourism, civil aviation, sustainable development and culture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, further stressed that all countries, especially Taiwan and others who are seriously impacted, need a seat at the table so their priorities can be implemented under an effective, multilateralist global framework. Guatemalan Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Edwin J. Castellanos expressed similar sentiments and reiterated that no one should be left behind.
Kenrick Williams, CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, said that excluding Taiwan, with its knowledge and resources, from taking part in the UNFCCC is against the principles of the convention and the Paris Agreement, while Guito Edouard, director general of Haiti’s Drinking Water Directorate, reaffirmed his country’s support for Taiwan’s professional and practical participation in COP29 and future conferences.
The MOFA additionally expressed gratitude to its allies that spoke out at the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at the beginning of COP29, and to Paraguay for releasing a national statement to support Taiwan’s inclusion in international climate change mechanisms. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with allies and like-minded partners to make positive contributions to the global effort to address climate change, the ministry said. (YCH-E)
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