Press Statements
Election of Ambassador Rena Lee to the International Court of Justice, 3 November 2026
4 November 2026
Election of Ambassador Rena Lee to the International Court of Justice, 3 November 2026
The Government of Singapore congratulates Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee on her election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027 – 2036 term. Ambassador Lee will begin her term as Judge of the ICJ in February 2027. Ambassador Lee is the first Singaporean and the first woman from Southeast Asia to be elected to the ICJ. This is a significant milestone for Singapore.
The ICJ is the United Nations’ (UN) principal judicial organ which settles legal disputes submitted by States in accordance with international law. It also gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies. It comprises 15 judges from different UN Member States who are elected to nine-year terms.
On 3 November 2026, the UN held an election for five open seats on the ICJ for the 2027 – 2036 term. Voting was conducted in both the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and UN Security Council (UNSC) at the UN Headquarters in New York. Ambassador Lee secured an absolute majority in both the UNGA and UNSC, receiving 151 votes out of 191 votes in the UNGA and 13 votes out of 15 votes in the UNSC. The strong support reflects the international community’s strong trust and confidence in Ambassador Lee. The Government of Singapore wishes Ambassador Lee and the incoming ICJ bench a successful term.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said: “My heartiest congratulations to Ambassador Lee on her well-deserved election to the International Court of Justice. The results demonstrate the international community’s recognition of Ambassador Lee’s strong abilities, extensive experience, and standing in international law. Singapore also deeply appreciates the votes of confidence from our many friends around the world. We are honoured that a Singaporean is given an opportunity to serve on the ICJ for the very first time. As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the Court is an indispensable institution that upholds and advances international law. The Government of Singapore has full confidence that Ambassador Lee will discharge her duties as a Judge of the ICJ with independence and distinction, and we look forward to her contributions to the work of the Court.”
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong SC said: “I am delighted to congratulate Ambassador Rena Lee on her election to the ICJ. It was a hard-fought campaign, and the support shown by UN Member States in New York is a strong endorsement of the international community’s confidence in Ambassador Lee’s deep legal expertise and her proven track record in international law. Singapore has long been a staunch defender of an inclusive and rules-based international order. For international law to truly work, it must be anchored in institutions that are trusted, credible and effective. The ICJ is one such institution. For it to remain strong and effective in upholding international law, its bench must continue to comprise well-qualified Judges who serve with integrity. I am confident, without reservation, that Ambassador Lee will rise to the challenge and make a meaningful contribution to the Court.”
Ambassador Lee said: “I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence that the international community has placed in me. I am grateful to the many countries that have supported my candidature. The International Court of Justice plays a vital role in the peaceful settlement of disputes and the upholding of international law, particularly at a time of growing global uncertainty. I look forward to serving on the Court with independence, impartiality and integrity, and to contributing to its important work in the years ahead.”
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF LAW
3 NOVEMBER 2026
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