Remarks by MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu for vGCTF on Advancing International Development through Public Private Partnership
September 30, 2020
Director Christensen;
Deputy Representative Yokochi;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning from Taipei!
It is an honor to welcome all diplomatic allies and like-minded partners to this virtual workshop held under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) during the opening of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
This year, the international community is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, which enshrined the core value of inclusive multilateralism. As an unprecedented public health crisis is affecting the entire world, we are once again reminded of the need for concerted action when facing global challenges. I am confident that, as long as we work together, the COVID-19 pandemic will be contained.
Through the platform of GCTF, Taiwan, the US and Japan have been launching initiatives where we join hands with the private sector to enhance capacity building among regional partners. Since GCTF’s inception in 2015, we have held 25 international workshops, which were attended by 800 experts and government officials from 53 countries. Working with Sweden, Palau, Australia, Guatemala, and other partner countries, we have addressed issues such as public health, women’s empowerment, disaster relief, and the digital economy. I am proud to say that the GCTF’s effectiveness in promoting international cooperation and improving people’s well-being is already widely recognized by our partners around the world.
Taiwan has demonstrated to the world that it is willing and able to help ensure a better future for mankind. However, our exclusion from the UN system and many vital international organizations is a constant impediment to our contributions to international efforts. This discriminatory treatment of Taiwan is also undermining the principle of partnership—an integral part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which require the participation of all countries and stakeholders.
As a force for good and reliable partner, Taiwan has a lot to share and contribute to the collective effort toward achieving the SDGs. In today’s workshop, we will share our experiences of forming effective public-private partnerships to advance international sustainable development.
I would like to thank you all for taking the time to participate at this very early or late hour. We look forward to today’s exchanges and to future cooperation with more partners and like-minded countries for the realization of our shared goals and values. Thank you!