Taiwanese Youth Boost Nation's Visibility on WHA Sidelines Through International Exchange
During the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, numerous young Taiwanese from around the world gathered to voice Taiwan's contributions through professional forums and advocacy events. Although Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA for 10 consecutive years, these youths hope to engage with international peers to foster understanding of Taiwan's issues and its international predicament. Representatives from the Taiwan Youth Alliance for Medicine and Health noted that such activities increase Taiwan's exposure and inform people unaware of Taiwan's situation. They plan to continue the momentum back in Taiwan through workshops and other initiatives.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 08:50
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During the World Health Assembly (WHA), many young people from Taiwan have come to Geneva to communicate Taiwan's contributions to the world by organizing professional forums and participating in advocacy activities. They hope to use this occasion to exchange and cooperate with youth and students from other countries, allowing more people to understand Taiwan's issues and its international situation.
The 79th World Health Assembly began on the 18th, with Taiwan not being invited for the 10th consecutive year. Although unable to attend the assembly, numerous sideline activities are taking place, including professional forums across different medical and health fields, a smart healthcare exhibition, and various actions supporting Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO).
Many young people with backgrounds in medicine and health have also appeared in Geneva, using opportunities like hosting forums to expand international exchange. At the same time, they aim to help participants from all countries better understand Taiwan's international medical contributions and the difficulties it faces.
The Taiwan Youth Alliance for Medicine and Health also organized a professional forum this year and participated in several advocacy actions.
In an interview with the Central News Agency in Geneva, Hu Fang-yu, Deputy Director of Training, and Chiang Yi-chieh, Deputy Director of External Affairs of the Taiwan Youth Alliance for Medicine and Health, shared their experiences participating in related activities and their views on youth international engagement.
Hu Fang-yu pointed out that international participation can increase Taiwan's exposure and strengthen connections with other organizations. It also allows for more timely and creative exchanges, cooperation, and friendship-building with youth organizations from various countries.
Citing her own experience, she mentioned discovering during exchanges that some foreign youths were unaware that Taiwan is barred from the WHA. "Therefore, such exchange opportunities can also convey messages, letting more people know about Taiwan's situation, and perhaps making them more psychologically supportive of Taiwan."
Chiang Yi-chieh agreed, sharing that when she participated in an event in New York last year, she similarly found people who did not know Taiwan could not enter the United Nations. She believes that advocacy and sharing experiences are like planting seeds, allowing more foreigners to empathize with Taiwan's situation. Even if these people do not necessarily enter government systems in the future and there may not be diplomatic ties between them, they can become more friendly towards Taiwan.
After the activities in Geneva conclude, the participants will return to their respective lives, whether back in Taiwan or continuing their studies abroad. How to sustain the energy and connections built during the WHA period becomes the next challenge for various organizations and groups.
Chiang Yi-chieh believes that co-hosting seminars can help root these activities, deepen exchanges, and attract more participants. Social media can also be effectively used for dissemination. After returning to their own circles, they can share with those around them, helping more people understand current trends and become more aware of Taiwan's international status and predicament.
Hu Fang-yu stated that international participation should not be limited to this period in Geneva but should be a continuous action. After returning to Taiwan, they plan to bring the Geneva experience back home by holding empowerment workshops and model World Health Assembly events to inspire and attract more youth to join.
Furthermore, she mentioned that through repeated participation in international events, they have reconnected with international partners met in the past at different venues, building deeper connections and even co-hosting new workshops. Each instance of international participation is not just about showcasing results but can also inspire and become an opportunity to discover new avenues for cooperation.
The 79th World Health Assembly began on the 18th, with Taiwan not being invited for the 10th consecutive year. Although unable to attend the assembly, numerous sideline activities are taking place, including professional forums across different medical and health fields, a smart healthcare exhibition, and various actions supporting Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO).
Many young people with backgrounds in medicine and health have also appeared in Geneva, using opportunities like hosting forums to expand international exchange. At the same time, they aim to help participants from all countries better understand Taiwan's international medical contributions and the difficulties it faces.
The Taiwan Youth Alliance for Medicine and Health also organized a professional forum this year and participated in several advocacy actions.
In an interview with the Central News Agency in Geneva, Hu Fang-yu, Deputy Director of Training, and Chiang Yi-chieh, Deputy Director of External Affairs of the Taiwan Youth Alliance for Medicine and Health, shared their experiences participating in related activities and their views on youth international engagement.
Hu Fang-yu pointed out that international participation can increase Taiwan's exposure and strengthen connections with other organizations. It also allows for more timely and creative exchanges, cooperation, and friendship-building with youth organizations from various countries.
Citing her own experience, she mentioned discovering during exchanges that some foreign youths were unaware that Taiwan is barred from the WHA. "Therefore, such exchange opportunities can also convey messages, letting more people know about Taiwan's situation, and perhaps making them more psychologically supportive of Taiwan."
Chiang Yi-chieh agreed, sharing that when she participated in an event in New York last year, she similarly found people who did not know Taiwan could not enter the United Nations. She believes that advocacy and sharing experiences are like planting seeds, allowing more foreigners to empathize with Taiwan's situation. Even if these people do not necessarily enter government systems in the future and there may not be diplomatic ties between them, they can become more friendly towards Taiwan.
After the activities in Geneva conclude, the participants will return to their respective lives, whether back in Taiwan or continuing their studies abroad. How to sustain the energy and connections built during the WHA period becomes the next challenge for various organizations and groups.
Chiang Yi-chieh believes that co-hosting seminars can help root these activities, deepen exchanges, and attract more participants. Social media can also be effectively used for dissemination. After returning to their own circles, they can share with those around them, helping more people understand current trends and become more aware of Taiwan's international status and predicament.
Hu Fang-yu stated that international participation should not be limited to this period in Geneva but should be a continuous action. After returning to Taiwan, they plan to bring the Geneva experience back home by holding empowerment workshops and model World Health Assembly events to inspire and attract more youth to join.
Furthermore, she mentioned that through repeated participation in international events, they have reconnected with international partners met in the past at different venues, building deeper connections and even co-hosting new workshops. Each instance of international participation is not just about showcasing results but can also inspire and become an opportunity to discover new avenues for cooperation.