Value Beyond WHA: Physician Calls for Taiwan to Invest in Global Health Diplomacy

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 24. 'We can do better.' Dr. Chiang Kuan-yu, head of the Global Health Diplomacy project at the World Taiwanese Foundation, visited Switzerland to attend this year's WHA side forums. Witnessing the value outside the main venue, he believes Taiwan should invest in the capacity building and inheritance of global health diplomacy. The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) began on the 18th, and Taiwan has not been invited for 10 consecutive years. 'Have you received training in global health diplomacy in Taiwan?' Dr. Chiang shared that a new friend from Hong Kong asked him this at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Dr. Chiang recalled that he could only answer that, to his knowledge, there was no systematic training. The friend warned that this was dangerous, as Taiwan has talent but lacks direction if everyone is left to explore on their own. Dr. Chiang noted that during this year's WHA, he saw global health cooperation fracturing, including reduced resources and shaken multilateralism. He believes that precisely because of this, Taiwan cannot be absent. Taiwan has the foundation for cooperation, and the world knows it. Taiwan does not lack talent or the courage to face the world. What is missing is the accumulation of professional experience to prove that Taiwan can and is worth cooperating with. Inside the venue is politics; outside is value. Taiwan should not only let the world see it but also participate in solving global problems. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Young Patients Association is advocating for the health of the working-age population to be included in international commitments.