A large-scale Taiwan parade took place on Sunday in support of Taiwan’s participation in the WHO on the eve of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) that begins this Monday. Hundreds of people gathered outside the Palais des Nations, the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, organized by business representatives, medical professionals, and overseas Taiwanese.
Event organizer Hsieh Chin (謝瑾) noted that an alliance was registered in order to apply for a legal assembly and parade permit, and highlighted that participants came from 25 countries across the world. Hsieh thanked the participants and said that upholding love, peace, human rights, humanity, and freedom is in the DNA of Taiwanese people.
One participant, Amelia, shared that beyond Taiwan’s potential to contribute to global pandemic response, it could also provide invaluable insight into the efficiency of patients seeking medical treatment. Taiwan Youth Initiatives in Europe (TYIE) president Wang Yu-lou (王語樓) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the effectiveness of Taiwan’s health insurance cards, which Wang said speeds along communications and prevents misdiagnosis.
Wang said this is the TYIE’s third year participating in the Taiwan parade. The association provided bubble teas to local residents, stating that they hope to start dialogue through “bubble tea diplomacy,” increasing people’s awareness of and support for Taiwan.