Calls for Action
The World Forum's panel on Taiwan, Ukraine, and nations under threat concluded with a strong call for the international community to actively support and protect democracies, emphasizing the disconnectedness of global security and the need for a united front against authoritarian threats.
Propose a policy paper on “a new interpretation of One China Policy and a blueprint for diplomatic recognition of Taiwan”.
Taiwan applies for the status of Permanent Observer in the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Parliaments of democratic countries to pass resolutions that include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Taiwan should be strengthened to ensure its security and well-being.
b. Lift the ban on Taiwan high levels visiting to the capitals which include the President, VP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense of Taiwan etc.
Bring those who are responsible for crimes of aggression to justice through international criminal tribunals:
a. Proposal for a Special Tribunal for Ukraine (Appendix i)
Main Outcomes
Strong consensus on the urgent need to protect and support democracies worldwide against authoritarian threats, with specific emphasis on the situations in Ukraine and Taiwan.
The situation in Ukraine is extremely serious because of the aggression against the country by the Russian Federation – a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Advocacy for international cooperation among democratic nations, including defence alliances and economic, military, and diplomatic support to deter aggression and promote global stability.
Call for recognizing the sovereignty and self-determination of nations like Taiwan and the establishment of mechanisms, such as a special court for crimes of aggression, to hold authoritarian regimes accountable.
Panel Discussion Summary
A panel discussion at the World Forum on the future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind, focusing on the challenges faced by Taiwan, Ukraine, and other nations under threat. The panel, moderated by Vanessa Hope, a director known for her film "Invisible Nation" about Taiwan's democracy, features a diverse group of speakers including Hans Correl, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General; Eva-Maria Liimets, former Foreign Minister of Estonia; Maysing Yang, a Taiwanese human rights activist and democracy advocate; and Ming Chang, president of Hello Taiwan. The discussion revolves around the significance of protecting democracy abroad, the impact of authoritarian regimes on global stability, and the potential consequences of failing to defend democratic nations.
Eva-Maria Liimets highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the importance of supporting democracy to prevent tyranny and dictatorship. She emphasizes the role of free media and addressing the issue of corruptly obtained money that supports authoritarian regimes like Russia. Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, underscores the war crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine, demonstrating the failure of the international system to protect human rights and maintain peace.
Hans Corell, a panelist in the discussion, emphasized the necessity of the United Nations and the importance of democracy and the rule of law for international peace and security. He highlighted his experience as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, advocating for the establishment of international criminal tribunals and the importance of holding states accountable for aggression, such as suggesting a special court for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Corell stressed the need for defence alliances like NATO for countries to pool resources for collective security, reflecting on the changing global dynamics that necessitate such measures for maintaining peace and protecting democracy.
Maysing Yang speaks on behalf of Taiwan, explaining the continuous threat from China and the importance of global democratic unity to deter aggression and maintain peace. She stresses that Taiwan is an independent, democratic country that seeks international recognition and support to defend itself against Chinese threats.
The panelists discuss various strategies for protecting and promoting democracy, including forming defense alliances, supporting independent journalism, and taking a firm stance against authoritarian regimes. The importance of international cooperation, recognizing the sovereignty of nations like Taiwan, and the potential expansion of NATO to include Ukraine and Taiwan as deterrents against aggression are highlighted.