Within the framework of the title, “A New UNPO for Challenges of the New Century: Raising the Voice of the Unrepresented”, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) has held its VIII General Assembly (GA) and deliberated on organizational reform to strengthen UNPO and its upcoming activities around the world. From 27 until 29 October 2006 in Taipei, Taiwan, the summit convened UNPO Members from around the world to discuss current activities and map strategies for the future.

Outgoing UNPO General Assembly Chairman, Mr. Göran Hansson, opened the VIII General Assembly on Friday 27 October. Other notable speakers and participants who addressed the summit included; Mr. Ken-Marti Vaher, Former Minister of Justice, Estonia; and statements from Hon. Mr. Hans van Baalen, Member of the Dutch Parliament, Vice-President Liberal International and Hon. Mr. Marco Pannella, Member European Parliament. Chairman Mr. Jin-Pyng Wang and President Dr. Wen-Cheng Lin of host organization Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin also addressed the assembly. The Opening Day also featured a Panel tackling core thematic UNPO issues - identity, democracy, security, and self-determination, respectively.

As outlined by the GA’s title, a key element of the gathering was to continue finding new arenas and best practices to advocate for the rights of unrepresented peoples and nations such as Taiwan. Opposition to oppression and non-violent alternatives to conflicts were also themes that resonated throughout the UNPO GA. Fifteen years after it was founded, now counting 63 Members, representing more than 250 million people across the world, UNPO continues to strive for improvement in the conditions of its Members worldwide.

The GA brought together the diverse composition of UNPO Members in a unique display of unity in diversity with common aspirations of freedom and justice, bridging social, cultural and geopolitical fault lines. 

A central component of the VIII UNPO General Assembly was also to facilitate the discussion of specific problems facing UNPO Members, as well as potential strategies for resolving these with the help of UNPO, its Members, and its supporters.

As part of this process, a Session on the final day of proceedings, Sunday 29 October, was dedicated entirely to the presentation and discussion of resolutions submitted by UNPO Members, detailing specific problems faced by their communities, and detailing the steps that might be taken towards a peaceful and equitable solution.

The number of submitted resolutions bore testament to the faith and confidence UNPO Members have in the value of gathering as an Assembly to discuss and share common experiences and strategies. Following much informative and constructive debate, resolutions submitted by the following Member were adopted by the VIII UNPO General Assembly: