Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to New York, United States of America, 28 April 2022

Singapore convened an informal high-level roundtable at the United Nations (UN) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Forum of Small States (FOSS). The theme of the session was “Small States, Multilateralism, and International Law”. Singapore and fifteen fellow small states started FOSS in 1992, and this group has now grown to 108 members—a majority of the UN member states. Minister Balakrishnan emphasised in his remarks that the UN Charter confers on all states, big and small, sovereign equality under international law. A multilateral system based on international law is essential for world peace and is especially critical for the survival and prosperity of small states.

Minister Balakrishnan called on the President (PGA) of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) His Excellency Abdulla Shahid. They discussed the importance of strengthening the UN’s role in addressing issues like climate change and sustainable development. They also discussed the significance of the recent UNGA resolution on a “Standing mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast in the Security Council” in enhancing the role of the UNGA on matters of peace and security.

Minister Balakrishnan met UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Mr Achim Steiner and reaffirmed the longstanding cooperation between Singapore and the UNDP, including through the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development which Singapore hosts.

Minister Balakrishnan also attended a High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda convened by PGA Shahid, where he delivered a national statement, and an ASEAN statement at the request of ASEAN Chair Cambodia.

The transcripts of Minister Balakrishnan’s remarks at the FOSS informal high-level roundtable and statements at the High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda on 28 April 2022 are appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
29 APRIL 2022

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TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN AT THE FORUM OF SMALL STATES INFORMAL HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE ON “SMALL STATES, MULTILATERALISM AND INTERNATIONAL LAW”, 28 APRIL 2022

Mr President
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests

1 When we first embarked on this journey thirty years ago to create an informal and cross-regional grouping, we only had about a dozen countries. I am sure the people who founded it were not sure that it would have withstood the test of time, but here are we are celebrating the 30th anniversary, and we now have more than a hundred countries who are members of FOSS (Forum of Small States). In fact, as the President (of the General Assembly Abdulla Shahid) has already said, the majority of UN (United Nations) Member States are also members of FOSS.
 

2 As a grouping of small states from different regions of the world, we are deeply committed to bridging differences and building consensus. We have different positions and interests. There is great diversity amongst FOSS. But as small states, all of us recognise that we have a common interest to defend the principles of the UN Charter and to strengthen the multilateral system. A strong multilateral system is important for peace and security, and all the more so for small states. We need this also for sustainable development and the protection of human rights. It is no surprise that since our inception, FOSS has been an active advocate of the UN, of multilateralism, and of international law. 

3 It is very heartening to see that many small states are playing very active roles at the UN. We have just heard from the President of the General Assembly, who is also the Foreign Minister of one of the smallest states (Maldives)—but I should say, only in terms of land, because if you include its Exclusive Economic Zone, in fact, Maldives is very big, certainly from the perspective of Singapore. We have the example of Botswana, a small state from Africa, who is now President of ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council). Small states have also played important roles in the UN Security Council. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a small country, but it has served in the UN Security Council, and it has played an important and influential role in standing up for principles and for peace and security. 

4 We have endured as a grouping because this has given us a platform for us to amplify our voice, to make common cause, and to leverage our collective influence at the UN. As small states, we not only want to be heard at the UN, but also be treated with respect as sovereign states with equal rights and responsibilities. For small states, multilateralism and international law are our shield—critical to our survival. 

5 The topic of today’s roundtable is small states, multilateralism and international law. Let me just make a couple of points.

6 First, the UN Charter provides the foundation of our multilateral system based on international law. The UN Charter confers on all states, big and small, sovereign equality under international law. The Charter enshrines the principles of the territorial integrity of all nations, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The UN Charter also imposes a duty on all states to refrain from the threat or the use of force, except in self-defence in accordance with Article 51. 

7 Second, an effective multilateral system depends on all states –  big and small – respecting the UN Charter and international law. The international legal framework is not perfect. We all know that. However, compliance with the UN Charter and international law is critical for peace, security, the protection of human rights, and the economic development which all our citizens demand. The continued effectiveness of the multilateral system depends on these legal principles being progressively developed (and) codified. We have to fill in the gaps and clarify the rules in the governance of the global commons. The UN has made crucial contributions in this regard. One of the foremost examples, which the President (of the General Assembly) has already alluded to, is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for which we commemorate the 40th anniversary tomorrow. There are many other areas of the global commons where the UN must continue to play a key role, whether it is in climate action, governance in cyberspace or outer space, or the conservation and the sustainable use of the marine environment.

8 My third and final point is that a multilateral system based on international law is critical for the survival and prosperity of all states and especially small states. Small states have the best chance of survival when there is a stable and predictable world order that upholds the rights and sovereign equality of all states regardless of size. Small states like us are most vulnerable when the multilateral system based on international law is replaced by the idea that might makes right. Unfortunately, therefore, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been a grim reminder for all states that we cannot take peace and security for granted. For small states, the war in Ukraine is a defining moment. It requires a clear and principled position. The violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one country by another country is simply not acceptable in this day and age. For small states, it is important for us to take a principled position and speak out against violations of international law whenever and wherever they occur. Indeed, many small countries adopt a principles-based foreign policy.  This means we are not taking sides, but we are prepared to stand up based on principles and international law. 

9 Let me conclude by saying that as small states, we cannot and will not remain passive. We have to speak up to defend our own national interests and our collective interests, and we must not hesitate to take a stand to defend the multilateral system and international law. Small states must work closely with other countries to build bridges and find consensus. The UN Secretary-General’s ‘Our Common Agenda’ Report has challenged us to think deeply, to think differently, and to think outside the box about what the future of global cooperation and the multilateral system should look like. As small states, it is incumbent on us to drive this and other discussions to ensure that the multilateral system and the rules and norms that underpin it for the coming decades are more inclusive, more networked, more effective, and more fair.

10 I look forward to a rich discussion and an exchange of ideas during the interactive segment on how we can work together and support one another to achieve peace, security, and sustainable, inclusive, and fair development. The multilateral system serves the interests of all states, big and small, and it is important for us to strengthen the UN and the multilateral system to address the many global challenges we are facing today. As a small state, Singapore is ready to work with all countries to support multilateralism and international law. I am glad to see so many of you here, and to note that we also have big countries – I note the presence of China here today with us – hopefully to make common cause with small states as well. Thank you.

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TRANSCRIPT OF STATEMENTS BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN AT THE HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW URBAN AGENDA, 28 APRIL 2022

ASEAN Statement
 

Mr. President,

It is an honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ASEAN would like to thank you, Your Excellency Abdulla Shahid, for convening today’s meeting.

Sustainable urbanisation is a key priority for ASEAN. 

Half of ASEAN’s population live in urban areas, and an additional 70 million people are expected to live in ASEAN cities by 2025.

Urbanisation has also been a crucial driver of economic growth for all of us, the ten nations in ASEAN. We see this happening not only in mega-cities but also in middleweight cities, with populations between 500,000 and five million.
 
At the same time, rapid urbanisation poses multiple challenges, many of which are exacerbated by the dual crises of COVID-19 and the ongoing climate change. 

COVID-19 has driven home the vulnerability of densely-populated urban areas to health threats and the need for strong public health and hygiene measures.
 
Many cities in ASEAN are also among the most vulnerable to natural disasters in the world, particularly from rising sea levels, droughts, and floods, as a result of climate change.
 
What we do at the local level will have a profound global impact. The pandemic has given us the opportunity to rethink, re-design, and rebuild our cities.   
 
First, we need to harness the benefits of the digital transformation while addressing its risks and challenges. Disruptive technologies including cloud computing and big data have the potential to generate up to US$625 billion in annual economic impact within ASEAN itself by 2030. But they are also estimated to potentially displace 12 to 17 million non-farm jobs in Southeast Asia.
 
To maximise the opportunities from digitalisation, we need to improve digital connectivity, we need to equip our citizens with the necessary skills and digital literacy, we need to enhance digital financial inclusion, and to strengthen international cooperation.
 
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network is a collaborative platform comprising 26 cities to catalyse cooperation in technological and innovative solutions. We encourage ASEAN’s partners to continue their active engagement with and support to the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.
 
Second, we need to tackle the expanding resource footprint of cities everywhere. While ASEAN’s urban population has grown by around 3 percent annually, the rate of carbon dioxide emissions has increased by 6.1 percent annually.

ASEAN Member States reaffirm our commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement of 2015. ASEAN has also adopted a Framework for Circular Economy which sets out a structured pathway towards the long-term goals of resource efficiency, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.
 
Third, we need to adopt a holistic approach towards urban resilience. This would require coordination across government departments, and at the national, sub-national, and crosscutting levels. 

On the climate front, we need to strengthen our resilience against disasters and the potential impacts of climate change. The ASEAN Disaster Resilience Outlook offers a future-oriented and innovative approach to address these emerging risks and challenges.
 
On the economic front, we need to maintain a strong and resilient post-COVID-19 economy, by keeping our markets open and our supply chains connected.
 
ASEAN looks forward to working with the UN, the UN-Habitat, and all our partners to build a future of smart, sustainable, and resilient cities.
 

National Statement

 
Mr. President,
 
Allow me now to speak in Singapore’s national capacity.
 
As the most densely populated tiny island state in the world, sustainable development has always been a cornerstone of Singapore’s development and our progress. Since our independence in 1965, Singapore has undergone rapid urbanisation and transformation, while ensuring we do so in a sustainable manner. Today, more than 40 percent of Singapore is covered in greenery such as nature reserves, parks, gardens, roadside greenery and, skyrise greenery. If you don’t believe me, when you fly into Singapore, look out of the plane before you land.

 We are guided by three aspirations. First, to be inclusive and meet the needs of all our people. Second, to be adaptable and resilient in the face of multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing threat of climate change. Third, to be a distinctive yet endearing city that our people can call home.
 
Let me highlight some key strategies we have adopted at the national level.
 
First, we launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030 last year. This contains ambitious, concrete targets to rally our nation to build a better, cleaner and fairer future.
 
The Green Plan is a living plan, which will evolve as we develop and refine strategies to realise our vision of a “city in nature” and advance our sustainability agenda.
 
Amongst others, we aim to plant a million more trees, add another 200 hectares of nature parks, implement 200 hectares of skyrise greenery and 300 kilometres of Nature Ways by 2030. These numbers may be small for big countries, but are meaningful for a tiny city state of only 700 square kilometres. We are also building an island-wide network of green corridors linking major parks and nature areas across Singapore called park connectors. Today, our park connectors are around 370 kilometres in length, or more than seven times the length of Singapore, to put things in perspective. We will expand our island-wide connectivity networks as part of efforts to enable every household to be within a 10-minute walk of a park by 2030.
 
Second, we are pursuing ambitious building sustainability standards through the Singapore Green Building Masterplan.
 
This will help us to transition to a low-carbon environment, as buildings account for over 20% of Singapore’s emissions. By 2030, we aim for 80% of all buildings in Singapore to be green, for 80% of new developments to meet energy performance standards, and for our best-in-class buildings to become 80% more energy efficient.
 
Third, we are designing our living environment to be more conducive for all groups of people. We launched the Accessible City Network initiative to enhance the accessibility of all public spaces, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities and for young children.
 
Fourth, we remain committed to enhancing cooperation with all our partners, including especially the UN and the UN-Habitat. There is great potential for us to learn from each other’s best practices and collaborate on common urban challenges.
 
Singapore will continue to share our urban practices and offer capacity building support for other countries, including through our flagship sustainable urbanisation programmes and events such as the Singapore-UN Habitat International Leaders in Urban Governance Programme as well as the World Cities Summit.
 
Thank you all very much.

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Photo caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the Forum of Small States informal high-level roundtable convened by Singapore on 28 April 2022 

Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s call on President of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid on 28 April 2022 

Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s meeting with UN Development Programme Administrator Mr Achim Steiner on 28 April 2022

Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo caption: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan delivering remarks at the High Level Meeting on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda on 28 April 2022

Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore