TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan United Nations Alliance (TAUNA, 台灣聯合國協進會), a civic organization advocating for Taiwan's international recognition, announced Monday (May 12) plans to dispatch an advocacy delegation to Geneva. Their mission aims to champion Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) ahead of the global health body's annual assembly.
TAUNA Vice Chairman Hung Chia-chun (洪嘉駿) emphasized Taiwan's internationally acclaimed pandemic management and healthcare accomplishments during the announcement. He expressed concern that despite these recognized successes, China persistently blocks Taiwan's participation through political tactics. Hung cautioned that the anticipated American withdrawal from the WHO next year might further shift the organization's balance toward Chinese influence, potentially undermining global health security.
The multinational delegation will assemble from Taiwan, the United States, United Kingdom, Romania, and Poland to collaborate with Taiwan government officials and members of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament. Legislator Lee Kuen-cheng (李坤城) underscored the vital role of civil society in communicating Taiwan's healthcare experiences internationally, while imploring opposition political parties to reconsider proposed budget reductions for diplomatic initiatives.
Legislators Lee and Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) condemned China's strategic misuse of United Nations Resolution 2758 to create confusion regarding Taiwan's sovereign status. Chen highlighted Taiwan's demonstrated commitment as a responsible global partner following the pandemic, pointing to the island's efforts in coordinating essential resources and providing assistance to numerous countries during the global health crisis.
The World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO's decision-making body, will meet from May 19 to 27 in Geneva. During this period, TAUNA intends to organize a technology and medical exhibition while joining a public parade and the 2025 Global Health Diplomacy Summit. Taiwan has been excluded from WHA participation for eight straight years amid budget constraints, with the Ministry of Health and Welfare facing a 60% reduction in travel funds, forcing a one-third cut to Taiwan's WHO delegation size. ★
