Taiwan Representative Urges Global Climate Governance Include Taiwan

The 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently officially kicked off in Turkey. This annual mega-event, bringing together global dignitaries, climate experts, and representatives of non-governmental organizations, has once again become a critical touchstone for examining whether the international community can unite to combat climate change. Just as global attention focuses on national carbon reduction commitments and climate financing, Luo Chen-hua, Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Somaliland, published a special op-ed in Somaliland's mainstream media outlet, "The Horn Diplomats," on the opening day of the conference. This diplomatic action is not only an important demonstration of Taiwan's continuous voice in the East African region, but also once again emphasizes to the international community that climate change is a crisis transcending borders. As an important member of the global technology supply chain and the democratic camp, Taiwan undoubtedly has both the capability and the obligation to contribute substantive strength to global climate governance and should not be excluded from the official mechanisms of the United Nations.

In this op-ed, with the core appeal of "Taiwan: An Indispensable Partner in Global Climate Action," Luo Chen-hua deeply analyzed how Taiwan actively implements green transition and environmental sustainability while pursuing economic development. Fanning the threat of extreme weather brought by global warming, Taiwan has long incorporated the goal of 2050 net-zero carbon emissions into the core strategy of national development, and comprehensively promotes energy structure transformation, develops renewable energy, and enhances industrial energy efficiency through legislative amendments and policy tools. Luo emphasized in the article that despite Taiwan's special international political predicament, which has long kept it locked out of the official negotiations and technical meetings of the UNFCCC, the Taiwanese government and private enterprises have never retreated. Instead, they consistently align with international standards through concrete actions, demonstrating the firm determination and practical deeds of Taiwan as a responsible member of the international community.

As Taiwan's important, like-minded partner in East Africa, Somaliland has engaged in close and mutually beneficial cooperation with Taiwan in fields such as education, medical care, agriculture, and information and communications technology in recent years. Representative Luo's choice to voice his views in Somaliland media holds profound strategic significance and regional indicative value. Located in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland is likewise facing severe tests brought by climate change, such as the massive shocks inflicted on agriculture, animal husbandry, and the livelihood economy by prolonged droughts. Through the Representative Office in Somaliland, Taiwan not only deepens cooperation in bilateral relations, but also conveys Taiwan's professional experience and technological advantages on climate change issues to Somaliland's political circles, academia, and the general public through this op-ed. Such discourse helps enhance Taiwan's visibility in the East African region and strives for broader understanding and substantive support from African allies and friendly nations for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

The UNFCCC has long shouldered the highest authoritative mission of coordinating global responses to climate change. However, based on geopolitical considerations, Taiwan remains excluded from the official Conference of the Parties and related technical mechanisms of the convention to this day. This political exclusion not only violates the core value of "leaving no one behind" championed by the United Nations, but objectively creates loopholes in the global climate defense line. Climate change knows no borders, and greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation require the joint participation of all economies worldwide. Possessing critical high-tech manufacturing capabilities and green technology R&D energy, if Taiwan could formally participate in the negotiation and information exchange platforms of the UN climate convention, it would not only be able to share its successful experiences in fields such as smart grids, carbon capture, and the circular economy, but also make concrete contributions to global carbon accounting and climate financing mechanisms, filling the void in regional climate governance.

Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to uphold the principles of professionalism, pragmatism, and contribution, deepen partnerships with Somaliland and other like-minded countries, and convey the legitimacy and urgency of Taiwan's participation in global climate governance to the international community through various diplomatic channels and op-eds. Climate change is the greatest survival test facing humanity in the contemporary era, and any political consideration attempting to exclude Taiwan is an unwise move against the sustainable development of all mankind. The active voicing of Taiwan's diplomatic personnel on the front line is precisely aimed at breaking this unjust international status quo, fighting for Taiwan's due international survival space and right to participation, ensuring that Taiwan's voice can be heard by the world, and joining hands with global partners to embrace a net-zero sustainable future.