CALD Resolution No. 1, S. 2020

CALD Resolution No. 1, S. 2020

CALD Resolution congratulating Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s government for its effective handling of the pandemic; denouncing the twin scourges of disinformation and populism; and reaffirming its belief and confidence in the principles of democracy, transparency and accountability, and good governance.

We, the member-parties of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD):

Recognizing that Taiwan has been most successful in mitigating and cushioning the impact of the coronavirus global pandemic;

Echoing the weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal, The Lancet, which concluded that  “Extensive public health infrastructure established in Taiwan pre-COVID-19 enabled a fast coordinated response, particularly in the domains of early screening, effective methods for isolation/quarantine, digital technologies for identifying potential cases and mass mask use. This timely and vigorous response (and)…many of Taiwan’s pandemic control components could potentially be adopted;”

Concurring with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing Wen who stated during the 13^th CALD General Assembly that, “In Taiwan, we call our cooperative efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic the ‘Taiwan model.’ We also have a Taiwan model in combating disinformation. That is, a strong, confident democracy, combined with informed citizenry, is its best defense. Taiwan is an example that a country can develop strategies and ways to combat disinformation without damaging its democratic procedures, system, and values”;

Acknowledging Taiwan’s successful incorporation of social innovation, defined as “people’s participation from all walks of life in order to benefit society”, as part of its response to disinformation and the health crisis; and

Recognizing that competent and determined women heads of state and government have provided the best leadership during this global pandemic, as seen not only in Taiwan but also in Germany and New Zealand.

Do hereby agree to:

Congratulate President Tsai Ing-wen and the Government of Taiwan, as well as the party in power, the Democratic Progressive Party, for its impressive and sustainable victories against both the pandemic and the “infodemic”;

Denounce disinformation and the  resurgence of populism as the twin scourges to today’s democracy, wreaking havoc to cherished democratic institutions; and

Reaffirm our belief and confidence in the principles of democracy, accountability  and transparency, and good governance as the basis for handling major crises.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan

Chairperson

10 December 2020