Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis, though separated by vast oceans, share a profound commitment to democracy, resilience, and fairness—values that should underpin the United Nations (UN). Yet, the voices of Taiwan’s 23 million people remain stifled within the UN, a glaring injustice that undermines the organization’s universality. As Martin Luther King Jr. once declared, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Taiwan’s exclusion is not just a local issue but a global concern, depriving the world of a vibrant democracy and a technological powerhouse. Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductor chips and leads in public health, information technology, and sustainable development. However, a misinterpretation of the 1971 UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which addressed China’s representation but never mentioned Taiwan, continues to bar its participation. This exclusion contradicts the UN’s founding principles and hampers its ability to tackle global challenges. St. Kitts and Nevis has been a steadfast ally, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international forums and demonstrating the transformative power of principled partnerships in education, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development. Taiwan’s absence from the UN is akin to a cricket team benching its best bowler—a loss for the Caribbean and the world, especially in areas like medical support, disaster relief, and sustainable development. As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary and the Sustainable Development Goals deadline looms, Taiwan’s inclusion is essential. St. Kitts and Nevis’s moral leadership in championing Taiwan’s cause reaffirms that justice is not the privilege of the powerful but the right of the principled. As a Caribbean proverb goes, ‘One hand can’t clap.’ Taiwan extends its hand, seeking global collaboration for peace, democracy, and prosperity.
