THE 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is scheduled to commence at the UN headquarters in New York from Sept. 5 to 26, 2023, with the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals toward peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”

Over the past years, the world has faced many challenges, especially when the People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to increase military provocations and coercive measures in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan Strait and even South China Sea. While the Philippines’“National Security Policy 2023-2028” envisions “a free, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous archipelagic and maritime nation, at peace with itself and its neighbors, enabled and protected by reliable defense and public safety systems,”Taiwan has been an international force for good, willing to work with nations worldwide to achieve post-pandemic recovery and sustainable growth.

For example, under its “New Southbound Policy,” Taiwan has been implementing various cooperation initiatives with the Philippines. The third batch of the “Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan” just departed for Taiwan last August, and those young farmers will come back home to reshape the landscape of Philippine agriculture and enhance food security. Taiwan also works with partner countries on a wide range of issues, including ocean conservation, climate financing, gender equality, inclusive education and social innovation, etc.

However, it is disappointing that UNGA Resolution 2758 (XXVI), adopted in 1971, continues to be misused and misrepresented as equivalent to the so-called One China principle, which is unilaterally advocated by the People’s Republic of China. That resolution neither takes a position on Taiwan’s status nor bestows upon the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan.

In addition, access to the United Nations should be a right for all and not just a privilege for some. It is regrettable that Taiwanese people are being barred from accessing UN premises for visits. The United Nations refuses to recognize the Taiwan passport as proof of identification — even though this document is recognized by almost every country in the world. Consequently, Taiwanese media outlets and journalists are also unable to obtain accreditation to cover UN meetings and events. It is alarming that civic space in the United Nations and freedom of the press are being restricted.

While half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day, and Taiwan produces over 90 percent of the advanced chips that power daily life around the world, Taiwan resolutely exercises restraint to maintain peace and stability in the region. At this critical juncture, including Taiwan in the UN mechanism is a crucial next step to making progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The absence of Taiwan’s valuable input and contributions is detrimental to both the international community and the future of humanity. I hereby call on the Philippine government, its Congress and its people to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations and related meetings, mechanisms and activities, and this, I believe, will further enhance the global common good.

Wallace Minn-Gan Chow Representative Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines