December 15, 2023

The 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13. A Taiwanese delegation led by Minister of Environment Shieu Fuh-sheng that comprised representatives of public and private actors attended the event as an NGO observer under the auspices of the Industrial Technology Research Institute and other NGOs. Based on the principles of professionalism, pragmatism, and making contributions, the delegation accomplished all of its tasks successfully with fruitful results.
Important outcomes of the Taiwanese delegation’s participation in COP28 this year included:

1. Diplomatic allies and friendly nations proactively assisted Taiwan and recognized Taiwan’s efforts and commitment in responding to climate change.

1.1. Twelve diplomatic allies and 42 national parliaments sent letters supporting Taiwan: In a show of substantial international support for Taiwan, 378 parliamentarians from 12 diplomatic allies and Formosa Clubs in Europe and in Latin America and the Caribbean sent letters of support to UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and called on the international community to include Taiwan in negotiation processes and mechanisms relating to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

1.2. Eleven diplomatic allies and friendly nations spoke up for Taiwan: Six heads of state or heads of government—Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios, Palauan President Surangel Whipps, Jr., Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Joseph Pierre, Saint Christopher and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, Tuvaluan Prime Minister Kausea Natano, and Eswatinian Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini—and ministers from Haiti, Belize, the Marshall Islands, Guatemala, and Nauru used the climate summit and high-level meetings to speak up for Taiwan, representing a record high in both proportion and number.

Furthermore, in spirited remarks made during the closing plenary session on December 13, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock said that Taiwan and other countries were paying close attention to the outcomes of the meeting. This was greatly significant and marked the first time that a like-minded nations had used the UNFCCC/COP to call for a global environmental governance mechanism to include the joint efforts of the international community including Taiwan.

2. Bilateral meetings reached a new high in both level and number, yielding extensive exchanges on diverse topics.

This year, the Taiwanese delegation held a total of 46 bilateral meetings with representatives of the executive or legislative branches of government of 35 like-minded countries, as well as two international organizations. These meetings yielded extensive exchanges on such diverse topics as climate change policy, 2050 net-zero emissions targets, carbon pricing, energy transition, and climate governance and helped publicize Taiwan’s bid to participate in the UNFCCC.

3. Announcement of Climate Transition Fund for climate change adaptation in joint effort with four Pacific allies.

Taiwan announced a US$10 million contribution to the establishment of the Climate Transition Fund in collaboration with four Pacific allies—namely, Tuvalu, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. This aligns with the global trend of developed countries supporting developing nations’ efforts to promote climate change adaptation and demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to contribute to the international community.

4. Cooperation with diplomatic allies to set up national pavilions and organize side events demonstrated robust friendships.

4.1. National pavilions: Taiwan collaborated with Palau and Saint Christopher and Nevis, setting up national pavilions, jointly holding various side events and underscoring bilateral climate partnerships and solid friendships.

4.2. Side events: Taiwan coordinated an unprecedented five side events between five Taiwan NGOs and five diplomatic allies. The events covered net-zero transition, climate justice, climate change adaptation, climate finance, and other issues of current international concern. This underscored the constructive role that Taiwan’s NGOs play in engaging with other countries on climate change.

5. Spotlight activities on COP28 sidelines and on-site publicity won widespread acclaim.

5.1. Diplomatic cruise reception and welcome reception: The Taiwanese delegation held a Palm Islands cruise reception for dignitaries from diplomatic allies and friendly nations for a joint study of the impact of climate change on marine ecology. The event featured the screening of the environmental education film Melting Greenland and an address by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu, facilitating deeper exchanges on environmental and climate issues. The Commercial Office of Taipei in Dubai also hosted a welcome reception, at which participants from Taiwanese NGOs, media, private enterprises, and other sectors enjoyed lively interactions.

5.2. On-site publicity: Taiwan placed advertisements featuring the key visual for this year’s participation campaign themed “Climate Action with Taiwan” at all 53 Dubai metro stations. Through the advertisements and a mobile promotional vehicle, Taiwan declared to the international community its willingness and determination to promote climate action with other countries. Its efforts gained a warm response from various sectors participating in COP28.

5.3. Promoting Taiwan’s bid through mainstream media and new media: International press coverage of Taiwan’s COP28 campaign included 109 reports featuring an op-ed by Minister of Environment Shieu, 74 letters to the editor from Taiwan’s overseas missions and press interviews with heads of mission, and 15 friendly news reports. The promotional video Green Action Taiwan! was viewed a record 23.03 million times, receiving extensive coverage from Taiwanese media and widespread public commendation. (E)