Eswatini has renewed its call for the participation of Taiwan in international climate processes, saying the island’s expertise in climate resilience and disaster management should contribute to global efforts to tackle climate change.
Addressing the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at COP31 in Turkey on Wednesday, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini said Taiwan’s experience in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems and disaster preparedness could help countries strengthen their response to increasingly severe climate-related disasters.
“Climate change recognises no political boundaries,” Dlamini said.
“Eswatini, therefore, reaffirms its support for the meaningful participation of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in relevant international climate processes.”
Taiwan is largely excluded from United Nations agencies and multilateral climate negotiations due to objections from China, which views the self-governing island as part of its territory.
As a result, Taiwan does not participate formally in UN climate mechanisms despite being a major technology producer and active contributor to climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Dlamini said climate cooperation should draw on the widest possible exchange of knowledge and experience as countries confront rising temperatures, floods, droughts and food insecurity.
He also urged developed nations to fulfil climate-finance commitments, saying developing countries require predictable and accessible funding, technology and technical support to build resilience and protect vulnerable communities from the growing impacts of climate change.
JN/APA