Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) deprives these organisations of a valuable partner in the fight against crime and climate change while raising concerns about the effectiveness of the esteemed organisations in addressing pressing issues on a global scale.

It is common knowledge that Taiwan’s unique geopolitical position in the Asia-Pacific region and its advanced capabilities of utilising high technology in law enforcement and environmental protection make it an invaluable partner in combatting transnational crime and mitigating the effects of climate change.

In the latest trend of calling for Taiwan’s participation in all kinds of international organisations and institutions, U.S., plus EU, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc., have greatly acknowledged Taiwan as an indispensable partner in providing speciality and know-how to assist the world to fight-off or build-up a more effective collaboration in terms of no-one-left-behind and integrate Taiwan into the world team.

However, Taiwan has been excluded from INTERPOL for 35 years, making it difficult for Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau to track down gangsters and combat fraud in a timely manner. Because Taiwan is kept out of the world’s preeminent international crime-fighting alliance, Interpol, we posit that the world’s largest international police organisation, which relies on cooperation between its member countries to combat organised crime, terrorism, and cyber threats, needs to rethink its stand on excluding the Island nation from its network.

Similarly, UNFCCC aims to address the issue of global climate change through international cooperation and coordination. Taiwan’s exclusion from the UNFCCC has hindered its ability to contribute expertise and resources to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. The island nation has made significant progress in developing renewable energy sources and implementing climate change mitigation strategies, making it a valuable partner in global efforts to address climate change. As the main theme of UNFCCC COP29 focuses on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), it is urgently crucial to highlight the importance of Taiwan’s participation in this significant global event. Taiwan’s involvement in these discussions is essential in addressing pressing environmental issues and contributing to the collective efforts towards a sustainable future.

Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol and UNFCCC not only undermines its ability to contribute to global security and environmental protection but also violates its right to participate in international organisations. The diplomatic isolation of Taiwan has led to its exclusion from international bodies despite its clear capabilities and willingness to cooperate with the international community. As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan deserves a seat at the table in organisations such as Interpol and UNFCCC to contribute to global efforts to address pressing security and environmental challenges.

Therefore, by allowing Taiwan to participate in international organisations, the international community can benefit from its expertise and resources in combatting transnational crime and mitigating the effects of climate change. It is our considered opinion that it is about time that member states, including Nigeria, should support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant international organisations such as the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), especially in the COP29. The global community will be better served by such a noble decision, as Taiwan contributes its quota in advanced science and technology in these two organisations and other global bodies.

Andy Yih-Ping Liu,
Representative and Chief of Taiwan Mission in Nigeria.