Singapore, September 29 (AseanAll) — Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan delivered Singapore’s national statement at the General Debate of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York on 28 September 2024.
In the statement, Balakrishnan highlighted the complex challenges facing the world, and underscored the need to transform the UN system so that it can effectively foster global solutions to address these challenges.
Balakrishnan welcomed the outcomes of the Summit of the Future, including the adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact, which have the potential to reinvigorate international cooperation. This is a significant milestone in reinvigorating the UN system, and Singapore will support efforts on the implementation of the Pact.
Singaporean Foreign Minister also emphasised the need to reinforce the foundational role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security. He reaffirmed Singapore’s support for the work of the International Court of Justice in upholding the rule of law, and for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.
Balakrishnan also urged Member States to accelerate efforts to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as we approach 2030, and expressed continued readiness for Singapore to provide support through capacity-building. Minister Balakrishnan announced the renewal of Singapore’s capacity-building programme for the Forum of Small States (FOSS). The “FOSS for Good” package will offer digital-themed programmes that will support the implementation of the Global Digital Compact.
Balakrishnan also underscored the need to transform global governance institutions by making them more representative and responsive, particularly to the needs of small states and developing countries. This includes reform of the UN Security Council in order to reflect contemporary realities and make it more transparent and accountable.
The government will continue to ensure that Philippine engagements with ASEAN and other stakeholders will serve the country’s national interest and the well-being of the Filipino people,Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos said on October 8, 2024.
09 October,2024
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 8, 2024 signed the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act to bolster the country’s defense strategies through the strength of its own resources and capabilities.
09 October,2024
