The 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) concluded successfully in Belém, Brazil, this November. Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment, together with the Youth Development Administration of the Ministry of Education, selected five youth delegates to represent Taiwan at this year’s global climate summit. Among the delegates was Chen-Yen Chang, Policy Analyst with the Energy Resilience Program at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET), who attended COP30 in person, spoke at side events, and participated in a range of international climate discussions.
Following their return, the Ministry of Environment held a press conference on December 4. The event invited the youth delegates to share their first-hand observations and policy insights, and featured an open dialogue with Minister of Environment Pang Chi-Ming on Taiwan’s future climate strategy and its potential contributions to global climate action. Minister Pang commended the delegation for demonstrating genuine and substantive participation, noting that their engagement showcased Taiwan’s climate efforts on the international stage while bringing back valuable updates on global developments.
During the briefing, Analyst Chang underscored that although Taiwan faces diplomatic constraints that limit its formal speaking roles within UN climate negotiations, these challenges also create opportunities for youth delegates to engage flexibly and creatively. In addition to presenting policy analyses on climate finance and Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement’s carbon market mechanism, as well as showcasing Taiwan’s community-based adaptation and disaster early-warning technologies, Chang also incorporated traditional Taiwanese glove puppetry to illustrate China’s “green ambition” to dominate critical mineral supply chains. The performance resonated with attendees who shared concerns about China’s influence on global climate governance, effectively expanding Taiwan’s space for international dialogue.
Chang also reflected on his broader observations from COP30, drawing connections between the cultural context of Indigenous communities in Brazil and the dynamics of on-site UN negotiations. He highlighted the historical significance of Belém, explaining why Global South climate priorities were central to this year’s summit. Minister Pang responded by noting that understanding the local context of Belém also sheds light on the emergence of Amazonian Indigenous protests during COP30.
Looking ahead, Chang emphasized the importance of strengthening Taiwan’s own climate narrative and developing a more coordinated strategy for international cooperation. Minister Pang affirmed that Taiwan will continue to deepen cross-border climate partnerships with like-minded countries and invest in cultivating future climate negotiation talent.
