Before the opening of the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday, May 27, more than 200 Taiwanese expatriates and students from Taiwan and various parts of Europe and America participated in the “Walk for Taiwan” parade on Sunday afternoon in Geneva, Switzerland, urging the international community to pay attention to the health and rights of the Taiwanese people and not to exclude Taiwan from the international arena due to political pressure from China.
The Taiwanese expatriates chanted slogans like “Love and Peace,” “Fair and Justice,” and “Taiwan for WHO, WHO for All,” calling for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and emphasizing the theme of the 2024 World Health Day: “My Health My Right,” advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion. Xie Jin, President of the Taiwan Association in Switzerland, mentioned that the application for the parade encountered several obstacles this year, with official approval granted only the day before the event, and the parade route being repeatedly shortened. Unlike previous years where approval was obtained one or two months in advance, this year required repeated coordination efforts.
Xie Jin began preparing for the advocacy activities since the end of last year, adding artistic elements to the event besides the parade, such as the unveiling of the “Beauty of Taiwan” European tour exhibition created last year, and inviting Taiwanese students majoring in music to perform Taiwanese music at the “Taiwan Night” event. Xie Jin believes that art knows no boundaries and through this, can facilitate people worldwide in getting to know Taiwan better.
Officials like Li Zhongwei from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Taipei City Councilor Chen Naiyu, and Lin Shijia, Executive Director of the Taiwan Medical Alliance Foundation, attended the opening of the European tour exhibition. Li Zhongwei mentioned that art transcends cultural barriers and its extensive promotion by the public helps Taiwan’s international voice. Chen Naiyu expressed delight in showcasing Taiwan’s vitality to the world, emphasizing that the world cannot overlook Taiwan as an essential piece of the puzzle.
Xie Jin acknowledged the challenges in preparing for the event and stated, “Our reputation is improving, and we aim to be Taiwan for the world.” She also ordered traditional Taiwanese handwoven “kaatze bags” as commemorative items for the parade participants, underscoring the message of being both local and global, aiming to show Taiwan to all participants of the United Nations meetings and welcoming everyone to join in supporting Taiwan.
Xie Jin noted, “Many foreigners are very supportive of Taiwan, giving us thumbs up or smiling at us.” Despite the failure to advocate for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO every year, Xie Jin remains undaunted. She said, “The road is long, but we must continue to persevere,” highlighting Taiwan’s positive influence on the international stage.
Amid the current stalemate in the Taiwanese legislature, Xie Jin described the situation as trying to awaken someone who pretends to be asleep. However, she found optimism in the increasing number of young people expressing interest in Taiwanese politics, recognizing democracy as a gradual learning process and hoping that Taiwan can wait for these individuals to become more politically aware.
Amid the chaos in the Taiwanese parliament, Deputy Speaker Jiang Qichun led a bipartisan delegation in Geneva to represent Taiwan’s voice, including KMT legislator Chen Jinghui, DPP legislator Wang Zhengxu, and Lin Yijun. Jiang Qichun made a surprise appearance with Taiwanese expatriates during the official “Walk the Talk” event on the 26th, and later attended the “Walk for Taiwan” parade, stressing the importance of including Taiwan in the negotiations of the International Health Regulations to prevent Taiwan’s exclusion.
When faced with Taiwanese compatriots raising banners demanding the withdrawal of bills, Jiang Qichun told the reporter, “Participation in the international community is the consensus of the entire Taiwanese population, regardless of political affiliation.” He emphasized the value of democracy, allowing diverse voices to coexist despite internal disagreements, maintaining a unified external front. Jiang Qichun highlighted that diversity of opinions is inherent in democracy.
Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Chiu Taiyuan, expressed gratitude towards overseas Taiwanese for speaking up for Taiwan during a speech at the Overseas Community Affairs Council banquet on the 26th. He emphasized that Taiwan’s participation in the WHA and WHO would enhance global cooperation for the health of all citizens. While the current situation may be regrettable, Taiwan will continue to contribute its expertise to the world.
Chiu Taiyuan emphasized the importance of unity among the Taiwanese people during critical times, urging for WHO to uphold its commitment in breaking through political, racial, and gender boundaries, allowing Taiwan to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world on the frontlines of medical, epidemic, and health care. ◇