Will Taiwan Join the UN? International Youth Finalists Selected – Zhang Liangyi Stands Out

Reporter You Ru / Reported from Taipei-Qatar

The Taiwan flag is prohibited from appearing on the international stage, and Taiwan cannot speak under that name, but Taiwanese youth have the opportunity to become the sole youth representative of the United Nations. The 18th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18) was held in Qatar from November 26 to December 7. Zhang Liangyi, convener of the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition, was selected from over 200 young people representing various countries as one of the top 12 finalists for the UN youth representative selection. If chosen, she could become the world’s only youth representative to speak to the UN, marking a significant step forward for Taiwan on the global stage.


▲ Youth march in Doha, with Taiwanese youth participating. (Photo provided by Liang Shoudao)

The 18th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18) was held in Qatar from November 26 to December 7. Delegates from various countries gathered in the capital, Doha, to negotiate and deliberate on issues such as the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the Green Climate Fund, and the Cancun Agreements. On the eighth day of the conference, more than 200 young people gathered around the venue, presenting their key demands to the assembly, hoping that this conference would also commit all nations to keeping global warming within 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius.

In its annual agenda, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP) has consistently incorporated regulatory proposals discussed by youth representatives from various countries outside the official sessions, using them as important references for advancing the convention. Amidst the passionate voices of over 200 young activists, the most notable team this year was the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition (TWYCC).


▲ Young people from around the world participated enthusiastically. (Photo provided by Liang Shoudao)


▲ Zhang Liangyi may become the world’s only international youth representative to voice Taiwan at the UN. (Photo provided by Liang Shoudao)

Led by convener Zhang Liangyi, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition (TWYCC) not only had member Huang Pin-han take the stage at a UN press conference as one of only three youth representatives worldwide speaking on behalf of their country, but the group has also been repeatedly featured in UN reports. “This time, the young people from Taiwan have truly demonstrated strong action and determination,” said British delegate Jamie.

Currently in its second week, the conference has selected Zhang Liangyi, chairman of the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition, as one of the top 12 from over 200 young people representing various countries to participate in the United Nations Youth Representatives selection. If chosen, he will become the sole global youth representative, meeting with the UN Secretary-General to present practical demands. This opportunity will also allow Taiwan to once again take the international stage at this conference and let the world "see Taiwan."

Zhang Liangyi said, "Perhaps we have all witnessed the existence of the high wall that Taiwan faces on the international stage. The wall may still be there, but that doesn't mean we should be trapped within it. Let's keep pushing forward together even in adversity!" With less than 12 hours remaining in the selection process, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition at the Qatar venue is asking everyone to rally together and vote online for Zhang Liangyi, giving young people the chance to prove Taiwan’s presence to the world.


▲ Just by voting online, Taiwanese youth can have the chance to step onto the international stage. (Photo provided by Liang Shoudao)

Voting website:http://goo.gl/K6FFs
Chinese translation:http://goo.gl/2TpWH
Candidate: Global South candidate No. 10 Liang-Yi Chang
Voting deadline: 12/4 03:00 am