Taipei, Sept. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's Environment Minister is scheduled to present the nation's first Voluntary National Review (VNR) at an event in New York, with the 72nd United Nations General Assembly convening in the city on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Tuesday.
Environmental Protection Administration Minister Lee Ying-yuan will depart for the U.S. on Thursday to host the release of the VNR, Christine Hsueh, director general of MOFA's Department of North American Affairs, told a regular press briefing.
The VNR will document many of Taiwan's achievements regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to MOFA.
In addition, Hsueh said Lee will also visit Washington D.C., pay a trip to a local environmental protection agency and possibly meet with U.S. officials.
"The U.S. side has always welcomed visits by cabinet-level officials from Taiwan," she added.
Hsueh would not disclose if Lee will meet with the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying only that details of his trip will be announced by the EPA at a later date.
Lee's schedule is part of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government's ongoing push for greater participation in UN-related organizations through the speeches and official letters of allies, and other methods.
As part of Taiwan's appeal to the UN, Foreign Minister David Lee has written an article titled "Taiwan, a Valuable Partner for SDGs -- True Universality," that has been widely published and discussed in international media, according to MOFA.
MOFA also released a short film titled "Taiwan: A Partner for a Better World" online. Other events will also be staged during the U.N. session, including visits by the EPA head and activities organized by civil groups.
