MFA Press Statement: Visit to Singapore under the 7th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme by Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, 11 January 2019

               Singapore is hosting a study visit by 13 Permanent Representatives to the United Nations from 6 to 11 January 2019 under the 7^th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme. 

               The FOSS, founded by Singapore in 1992, is an informal platform at the United Nations that brings together states with populations under ten million to discuss issues of common interest.  The FOSS currently has 107 member states.  The objective of the FOSS Fellowship Programme, launched in 2015, is to foster closer cooperation among FOSS states through the exchange of views and experiences on issues faced by small states in their development journey.  Under the Fellowship Programme, the Permanent Representatives have the opportunity to engage Singapore’s leaders and policy makers in fields related to sustainable development.  The 7^th FOSS Fellowship Programme is attended by the Permanent Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bhutan, Botswana, Cyprus, Gambia, Palau, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Tonga, Tuvalu and Zambia.

               The Permanent Representatives were hosted to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan earlier today.  They discussed global challenges, the importance of multilateralism to small states, and good governance.

               Earlier in the week, the Permanent Representatives were also hosted to lunch by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Mr Khaw Boon Wan, and met Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Masagos Zulkifli and Head of Civil Service Mr Leo Yip. The study visit includes briefings on Singapore’s approach towards sustainable development in areas such as urban planning, water and sanitation, port management, civil aviation, education, and governance, as well as visits to the Asian Civilisations Museum, the National Gallery, and the Gardens by the Bay. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

11 JANUARY 2019

Lunch hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan for delegates of the 7^th FOSS (Forum of Small States) Fellowship Programme, 11 January 2019

[Photo credit: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS]