Twenty-one Taiwanese organizations in Greater New York have launched a petition calling for Taiwan to be included in the UN. That’s in light of the UN General Assembly slated to begin September 15 in New York City.

In a joint petition, the organizations pointed out that Taiwan has not been invited to any UN meetings despite having demonstrated its ability to contribute to the world. The petition said that Taiwan is one of the few countries that has successfully contained the spread of COVID-19 and that it has the ability to assist other countries through global platforms like the General Assembly.

The petition also mentioned that Taiwan has been donating medical supplies to countries around the world to fight the pandemic and is in the process of developing vaccines. The statement cited that the UN has vowed to promote diversity and inclusion and yet has neglected Taiwan’s request to join the global organization.

The petition also demanded that Beijing stop putting pressure on the UN and asserted that Taiwan is not a part of China. It stated that China does not have the right to speak for Taiwan’s 23 million people.

The campaign was not the first time that Taiwanese nationals in New York have stood up to plead for Taiwan’s participation in the UN. The 21 Taiwanese organizations will hold a press conference at the Taiwan Center in New York on Wednesday.