Foreign Minister Douglas Affirms Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Continued Support for Taiwan’s Inclusion in International Organizations.

The enduring alliance between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan was reaffirmed during a visit by the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Foreign Affairs Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, to Taipei on March 19, 2025. Minister Douglas unequivocally expressed his nation’s continued support for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, emphasizing the significant contributions Taiwan could make to the global community. Specifically, he highlighted Taiwan’s aspirations for membership in the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), recognizing the island nation’s expertise and leadership in various fields, particularly public health and aviation. While acknowledging the existing UN policy that excludes Taiwan, Minister Douglas underscored Saint Kitts and Nevis’s belief in Taiwan’s valuable role on the world stage and its right to participate in shaping global affairs.

Taiwan’s exclusion from key international bodies, particularly the WHO and ICAO, has become a focal point of discussion, especially given its proven capabilities in public health and aviation safety. Minister Douglas pointed out the frequent questioning during World Health Assembly presentations about Taiwan’s absence, indicating a widespread recognition of the gap created by its exclusion from global health discussions. Given Taiwan’s advanced healthcare system and its pioneering work in smart healthcare, its participation in the WHO would undoubtedly enrich global health cooperation and contribute to more effective responses to global health challenges. Similarly, Taiwan’s crucial role in the aviation sector warrants its inclusion in the ICAO, where its expertise and experience can contribute to the development of international aviation standards and safety protocols.

Saint Kitts and Nevis, a steadfast ally of Taiwan for four decades, recognizes the importance of advocating for its inclusion in these crucial international organizations. This long-standing relationship, built on mutual respect and cooperation, has resulted in numerous development initiatives that have benefited both nations. The support for Taiwan’s international participation is not just a matter of diplomatic solidarity but also a recognition of the practical benefits that Taiwan’s inclusion would bring to the global community. By amplifying Taiwan’s voice on the international stage, Saint Kitts and Nevis is championing the principle of inclusivity and advocating for a more representative and effective international system.

The rationale behind Saint Kitts and Nevis’s unwavering support for Taiwan stems from a firm belief in the island nation’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to global progress. Taiwan’s technological advancements, particularly in public health and aviation, are undeniable. Its experience in managing public health crises and its innovative approaches to healthcare delivery make it a valuable partner in tackling global health challenges. Similarly, its strategic location and its commitment to aviation safety make its participation in the ICAO essential for ensuring a comprehensive and effective global aviation framework. Saint Kitts and Nevis, by advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion, is not only supporting its ally but also promoting a more inclusive and effective international system.

Minister Douglas’s visit to Taipei served as a powerful reaffirmation of the strong bilateral ties between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan. His pronouncements on the international stage underscore the importance of advocating for a more inclusive and representative international system. Taiwan’s exclusion from key international organizations represents a significant loss for the global community, depriving it of valuable expertise and perspectives. Saint Kitts and Nevis, through its continued support, is not only strengthening its bilateral relationship with Taiwan but also contributing to a broader movement towards a more just and effective global governance structure. The call for Taiwan’s inclusion is not simply a diplomatic gesture but a call for recognizing the practical benefits of incorporating all voices, especially those with demonstrable expertise and capabilities, in addressing global challenges.

The advocacy for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations is a testament to the enduring principles of fairness, inclusivity, and effectiveness in global governance. Saint Kitts and Nevis, by championing Taiwan’s cause, is standing up for these principles, demonstrating its commitment to a more representative and effective multilateral system. This unwavering support, rooted in a four-decade-long partnership, reflects a shared belief in the importance of cooperation and mutual respect in international relations. By supporting Taiwan’s aspirations, Saint Kitts and Nevis is contributing to a broader movement towards a more just and inclusive international order, where all nations, regardless of political status, have the opportunity to contribute their expertise and perspectives to the global good. This, in turn, strengthens the international system and enhances its capacity to address the pressing challenges facing humanity.