30 Mar 2015
Madam Chair
I would like to thank the PGA for organising this meeting. I would also like to thank the keynote speakers and panelists for sharing their insights. We would also like to associate ourselves with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the G77/China.
The topic of water for life is an important one for sustainable development.
As a small city-state with no natural water resources, Singapore is one country that knows full well the need for water for our sustainable development. For us, water is an existential issue.
From the day of our independence, we had to import our water to survive.
Fortunately, we have managed to turn this vulnerability around.
Today, through 30 to 40 years of research and development, as well as hard work, we have managed to reduce our dependance on others for water and have almost reached water self-sufficiency.
Today, we have managed to removed slums and open defecation. 100% of Singapore's population now has access to potable water and sanitation.
I highlight these achievements not to gloat or boast. But to make two points.
First, I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. As you may all know, our founding father passed away earlier this month.
The whole country mourned yesterday as we bid our last farewell to him at the state funeral.
It was with his long-term integrated planning that we have now made two-thirds of our island a water catchment area.
It was with his visionary leadership that Singapore companies are now at the forefront of developing and utilising water technologies and prototypes which have alleviated our reliance on imported water.
This has also helped to position Singapore as a hub for clean water technologies.
In other words, we managed to turn our vulnerability around into a strategic advantage. Singapore's experience in overcoming our natural water shortages has therefore shown us that sustainable water management not only improves the quality of human life and ensures the stability of a country, it can also contribute to the continued growth of a vibrant economy.
Although Mr Lee is now gone, the Singapore water story will remain his monument for all to see.
Second, and more relevant to the debate today, I highlight our achievements to show that sustainable water management is achievable, with integrated planning, effective use of technology and working with the community and key stakeholders.
Sustainable water management involves balancing the supply and demand of water. We have adopted the following 3 principles to guide future plans and ensure water for all:
i. collecting every drop of rain;
ii. collecting every drop of used water; and
iii. recycling every drop of water more than once.
The proposed SDG on water calls for a comprehensive list of targets, such as universal access to safe drinking water and integrated water resource management at all levels by 2030. We support these targets. In our experience, sustainable water management can be realised but it requires careful thought and long-term planning.
First, governments must take the lead by according high priority to water infrastructure alongside economic development. A long-term and integrated approach should also be adopted in the development of water infrastructure to achieve a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, rather than making incremental upgrades to meet short term goals. Although Singapore is land scarce, we have 17 reservoirs and have linked up our drainage systems to establish a network of water catchment areas to collect every drop of rain water.
Second, the role of industry cannot be ignored. In Singapore's experience, close partnership with industry has allowed us to access state-of-the-art technologies, cost-efficient water solutions and R&D resources. We work closely with the private sector to test-bed potential solutions that can help keep our water supply both sustainable and affordable. One example is in the area of desalination. We have also reaped benefits from public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the construction and operation of our NEWater and desalination plants. Besides providing project financing, PPPs allow us to tap innovative solutions and operational efficiency of the private sector.
Third, multi-stakeholder cooperation is crucial in the achievement of sustainable water management. As a country's economy and population continue to grow, there is a need to ensure water demand does not increase unsustainably. Managing water demand and the impact of water on the environment require the commitment and shared ownership of every person and organisation. More systemically, water has to be priced appropriately to reflect its value, so as to promote prudent use and good water conservation habits. This is especially important in achieving the SDG targets relating to water-use efficiency and protection of the water ecosystem.
Madam Chair,
Having accumulated much experience in water management over 50 years, Singapore is committed to working with others to ensure that water is never taken for granted as a precious resource.
At the ongoing post-2015 discussions, we support a stand-alone goal on water because we understand the precious nature of water as a resource, and the vital importance of sustainable water management.
At the UN, we also take a leading role to promote universal access to sanitation. To commemorate World Toilet Day this year, we will focus action on sanitation and nutrition.
Bilaterally, Singapore is committed to sharing the experience that we have developed over the past 50 years through capacity-building programmes (e.g. the Singapore Cooperation Programme). Singapore also promotes the sharing of innovative solutions to address global water challenges through initiatives such as the Singapore International Water Week.
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