THE Senate on Friday unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 24-4, calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations’ family of organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the World Health Assembly, the International Police Criminal Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and insists that there is only “one China,” with Taiwan being an inalienable part of it. China also opposes Taiwan’s inclusion in U.N. agencies.
All eight senators present voted to adopt S.R. 24-4, which was authored by Sen. Celina R. Babauta.
The resolution acknowledges that Taiwan has “consistently demonstrated its commitment to the stability and economic prosperity of the U.S. and its allies in the Indo-Pacific through initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.”
The CNMI, according to the resolution, “shares deep and enduring historical and cultural ties with Taiwan, rooted in a shared history of maritime connection that has profoundly influenced our languages, cultures, and ways of life.”
The resolution noted that Saipan and Hualien, Taiwan, forged a sister-city relationship in 2007, “fostering cooperation across various sectors to promote mutual understanding and collaboration.”
S.R. 24-futher states that the U.S. “must support Taiwan’s meaningful participation” in U.N. organizations.
Taiwan’s inclusion is “crucial for positively addressing global challenges in effectively upholding the highest standards of global health, safety, security, and environmental sustainability and a strong commitment to climate action and should be afforded participation in the UNFCCC to contribute its expertise and engage in collective environmental efforts,” the resolution stated.
In a WhatsApp interview after the session, Babauta said Taiwan “just wants a seat at the table,” and she believes they deserve it. She added that Taiwan has earned that seat through its proven contributions to global health, safety, and democratic values.
She cited the World Health Organization’s constitution, which affirms the right to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.
“Health threats don’t stop at borders, and neither should cooperation. Taiwan’s expertise in disease control and public health makes the world safer. It’s time they’re included. Given the CNMI’s deep cultural and historical ties with Taiwan, it is both a matter of principle and practical necessity to advocate for its meaningful participation,” Babauta said.
She said that from May 19 to 27, 2025, the World Health Assembly will take place in Geneva, Switzerland. Babauta said it is unfortunate that Taiwan has been continuously excluded from these global organizations because of political pressure from China.
Taiwan’s exclusion from major international forums “undermines cooperative efforts to address shared global challenges,” Babauta added.
