Visiting Geneva Before WHA, Lin Chia-lung Says Taiwan Won't Be Absent When the World Needs It

Central News Agency (CNA) message (Reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, 17th) – Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated on social media that he traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, on the eve of the WHA to attend the annual conference of the 'European Federation of Taiwanese Medical Associations' and a dinner with health ministers and permanent representatives of allied nations. He emphasized that although Taiwan has not been invited to participate in the WHA, it has never been absent when global public health needs Taiwan. The World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 18th. Lin Chia-lung posted on Facebook today that he arrived in Geneva on the eve of the WHA. Last night, he attended the seminar and annual conference of the 'European Federation of Taiwanese Medical Associations,' followed by a dinner with Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang and health ministers and permanent representatives of allied nations, including Palau's Vice President and Minister of Health Raynold Oilouch and Eswatini's Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula. Lin stressed that although Taiwan has not been invited to participate in the WHA this year, it has never been absent when global public health needs Taiwan. This time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) collaborated with 30 Taiwanese hospitals, enterprises, and academic institutions to jointly hold the first 'Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Health Industry Exhibition' in Geneva, sharing Taiwan's achievements in smart healthcare, AI applications, medical technology, and humanitarian aid with the international community. Lin said this is a very innovative action with Taiwanese characteristics. When the world's door is not open, Taiwan does not stop; instead, it builds its own stage to let the world see its professionalism, creativity, and resilience. MOFA continues to promote the 'Prosperous Nation Program,' combining medical, public health, and talent cultivation cooperation to help allied and partner countries build more resilient health systems. Lin pointed out that the WHO was founded on the principle that health is a fundamental right for all. Taiwan's exclusion is a significant gap in global health security. President Lai Ching-te once said, 'The world belongs to everyone, and Taiwan is part of the world.' Taiwan will continue to strive for meaningful participation in the WHO, WHA, and related international organizations, and will continue to contribute to world health with its professionalism, actions, and goodwill. Lin mentioned that whether it's through large advertisements on the streets of Geneva, at international conferences, among overseas Taiwanese communities, or in various creative promotional and exchange events, everyone is telling the world about Taiwan's capabilities in their own way, and becoming more confident and proactive in engaging with the world. During a break in his schedule, Lin took a commemorative photo with the famous 'Broken Chair' in front of the Palais des Nations, documenting this journey of collective effort for Taiwan. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150517