Allies tout Taiwan at climate conference

IMPORTANT PARTNER: Taiwan has a leading role in disaster resilience, energy transition and food security, and the world needs its participation in the UN, Palau’s president said

Five of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies voiced support for its participation in global climate efforts at the COP31 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

The remarks were made at the leaders’ summit held on Wednesday and Thursday, as part of the COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, the ministry said in a statement.

The five countries were the Marshall Islands, Palau, Eswatini, Tuvalu and St Kitts and Nevis.

Attendees walk past the COP31 logo during the UN Climate Change Conference at the Antalya Expo Center in Turkey on Thursday.

Photo: AFP

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine said all voices, including Taiwan’s, should be heard, adding that Taiwan was working to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions and build up climate resilience, and deserved to take part in the discussions, the ministry said.

Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr described Taiwan as an important partner with a leading role in disaster resilience, energy transition and food security.

The world needed Taiwan’s participation in UNFCCC meetings and other UN forums, the ministry cited him as saying.

Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini praised Taiwan and Japan’s experience in disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure, while reaffirming his country’s support for Taiwan’s participation in global climate efforts, it said.

Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo said climate change and climate action were not limited by political boundaries, and praised Taiwan’s contributions to global climate efforts.

No willing partner should be left out of international cooperation, the prime minister added.

St Kitts and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley highlighted Taiwan’s contributions in environmental governance, the circular economy, climate resilience, green energy and capacity building.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) thanked the five countries for their support and said Taiwan would continue working with its allies and like-minded partners to address climate change.