TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) is leaving for Geneva Friday, leading a delegation to promote Taiwan’s cause on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly.

As in eight previous years, Taiwan did not receive an invitation to attend due to Chinese pressure. Nevertheless, a delegation led by Chiu will organize forums and meet with participants at the gathering.

Chiu told a joint news conference with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) in Taipei Friday that Taiwan would not give up but make an effort until the last moment, per CNA. Comparing countries to students, Chiu said that not allowing Taiwan into the classroom to share its experience and knowledge with its fellow students was a loss to the world.

Chiu added that refusing to let Taiwan attend the May 19-27 assembly was unfair to the people and violates the World Health Organization charter and basic health rights. The global body should also let Taiwan join its new pandemic agreement, expected to be adopted by this year’s gathering. Only if Taiwan is present can the World Health Assembly live up to this year’s motto of “One World for Health,” Chiu said.

The use of AI in healthcare and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s health insurance system were scheduled to serve as topics of seminars in Geneva, while an international news conference would make the country’s experience and willingness to contribute clear to the world media.