MFA Press Statement: Visit to Singapore Under the 6th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme by Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, 23 to 28 July 2017

               Singapore is hosting a study visit by 11 Permanent Representatives to the United Nations from 23 to 28 July 2017 under the 6^th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme.  The purpose of the visit is to exchange views and experiences on international developments, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges and constraints faced by small states.

               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 exchange views on issues of common interests.  The FOSS celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year, and currently has 107 member states.  The objective of the FOSS Fellowship Programme, launched in 2015, is to foster closer cooperation among FOSS states.  Under the Fellowship Programme, the Permanent Representatives will have opportunities to exchange views on development challenges with Singapore’s leaders and policy makers.  The 6^th FOSS Fellowship Programme is attended by the Permanent Representatives of Benin, Cabo Verde, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.  Singapore is also pleased that the Permanent Representative of Malawi is participating as a “Friend of FOSS”.

              The Permanent Representatives were hosted to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan yesterday.  They discussed the importance of the United Nations, climate change issues and working together on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

                The Permanent Representatives also met Minister for Environment and Water Resources Mr Masagos Zulkifli.  They are scheduled to meet Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Communications and Information, Dr Janil Puthucheary, and be hosted to lunch by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Health, Dr Lam Pin Min today.  The study visit includes briefings by various agencies on Singapore’s approach towards sustainable development in areas such as urban planning, water and sanitation, maritime affairs, civil aviation, education, and governance, as well as visits to the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Gardens by the Bay. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 JULY 2017