The MOFA thanks the global community for backing Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the U.N. during the General Assembly Sept. 15-30 in New York City. (Staff photo/Pang Chia-shan)

Support from the global community for Taiwan’s bid to participate in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the U.N. is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oct. 2.

Last month the government launched a campaign to coincide with the 75th U.N. General Assembly Sept. 15-30 in New York City, spotlighting the contributions Taiwan’s 23.5 million people can make to the global body, the MOFA said.

Positive reactions from the country’s allies and like-minded partners reflect global recognition of Taiwan’s efforts toward achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, the MOFA said. Momentum is also building for Taiwan to participate in the rescheduled World Health Assembly—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization—set for November, it added.

According to the ministry, Taiwan’s 14 allies have sent letters to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing their support for Taiwan. The country has managed the COVID-19 pandemic in an exemplary manner, they said, adding its exclusion runs counter to the principles of inclusiveness, multilateralism and universality.

In addition, 10 heads of state and two foreign ministers from Taiwan’s allies spoke up for the country during the assembly, with representatives from other nations also expressing their backing through various means, the MOFA said.

These include U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Kelly Craft, who took part in a sideline event under the Taiwan-U.S.-Japan Global Cooperation and Training Framework in which she called for Taiwan’s full participation in the global body.

An op-ed by MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu urging Taiwan’s U.N. participation has been reported on 217 times by major media outlets from countries such as Canada, France, Japan and the U.S., while a short film made by the ministry titled “Blessings from Taiwan,” which spotlights the country’s response to COVID-19, has garnered 11.2 million views since its released last month.

The government remains resolute in its determination to take part in global organizations, the MOFA said, adding it will continue working with its partners around the world to realize the U.N. SDGs. (SFC-E)