STATEMENT BY MR JOHN KHOO, FIRST SECRETARY, SINGAPORE PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE, 7 OCTOBER 2016

Thank you Mr Chairman,

1        At the outset, we would like to convey our deepest condolences on the passing of the distinguished Permanent Representative of Eritrea.  As this is the first time Singapore is taking the floor, allow me to congratulate you and the members of your bureau on your appointments.  My delegation looks forward to working constructively with you towards a successful outcome.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Mr Kim Won Soo for his tireless efforts to advance disarmament and to bring us closer to our shared goal of a nuclear weapon free world. 

2        Singapore aligns itself with the statement delivered by Myanmar on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Nuclear Weapons

Mr Chairman,

3        Singapore reaffirms our commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which remains the cornerstone of the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime.  We must work towards the universalisation of the NPT, and find a way to involve nuclear weapons possessing states that fall outside the ambit of the NPT in disarmament discussions.  The next NPT Review Cycle gives us an opportunity to step up our efforts in search for common and practical solutions.  This will not be easy.  The onus lies on all of us to begin narrowing the gaps at the upcoming Preparatory Committee in May 2017.

4        Singapore fully supports the three pillars of the NPT.  Progress on disarmament and non-proliferation, which are mutually reinforcing, is essential to strengthen international peace and security.  This imperative is even more critical in our uncertain world, where the risk of nuclear proliferation is being compounded by the threat of terrorism and illicit activities by non-state actors.   We welcome the series of Nuclear Security Summits (NSS) which has contributed significantly to increasing our preparedness against nuclear terrorism.  On our part, Singapore recently hosted Exercise Deep Sabre 2016, our third multinational Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) exercise.  This year, the PSI included a table-top exercise involving a nuclear terrorism scenario.  This comprises part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation and vigilance against the increasing risks of a terrorist attack involving weapons of mass destruction. 

5        Singapore also welcomes the report of the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Taking Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations.  We recognise that the recommendation to convene a conference in 2017 to negotiate a legally-binding instrument prohibiting nuclear weapons, leading to their total elimination, has garnered widespread support from Member States.  My delegation believes that the proposed conference is a potential avenue to advance the cause of nuclear disarmament.  However, we need to ensure that any negotiated instrument is meaningful, and does not end up as just another empty agreement.  To this end, we call for all parties, particularly those with nuclear weapons, to constructively engage in the process. 

6        Singapore believes that there are several other concrete steps that would contribute to the advancement of nuclear disarmament.  First, entry into force of the Comprehensive-Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).  Second, commencing negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).  Third, establishment of nuclear weapon free zones, through open, genuine and constructive dialogue involving all relevant parties.  In relation to the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ), Singapore reiterates its commitment to work closely with the Nuclear Weapon States to resolve all outstanding issues, and to work towards the collective signing and ratification of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty by the NWS without reservations.

Mr Chairman,

7        Singapore calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from any further provocative actions.  We reiterate our long-standing call for the DPRK to abide by its international obligations and commitments, and to integrate itself with the region so that it can share in our region’s peace and prosperity. 

Conventional Weapons

8        My delegation has consistently supported global efforts to establish common international standards for the transfer of conventional arms.  In this regard, Singapore has signed the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and is actively working to review and assess existing frameworks and legislations with a view to ratification.  We support the continued universalisation of the ATT, which would be a significant contribution to the reduction of uncontrolled and destabilising flows of conventional arms to unintended end users. 

Outer Space

Mr Chairman,

9        Beyond nuclear and conventional weapons, my delegation believes the First Committee should devote more attention to emerging issues, including outer space and cybersecurity.   

10        The advances in technology made less than 60 years following the first successful satellite launch have been unimaginable.  Today, space systems are integral to our daily routines.  Even as our dependency on such systems increase, the challenges faced, including space debris and orbital congestion, have to be adequately addressed.  A possible avenue to tackle this issue would be through a multilateral framework on rules of behaviour in outer space.  We should work to build consensus on norms that encourage the peaceful use of outer space as a global commons.  Singapore is pleased to co-host the 4^th ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on Space Security with the US from 24 to 25 October 2016.  Building on previous iterations, the workshop aims to explore in greater detail several pertinent issues, including space security and hazards, transparency and confidence-building measures for enhancing space security and possible areas for practical international cooperation. 

Cybersecurity

11        Another area of rapid technological growth has been in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).  Smart phones are ubiquitous, and ICTs have become indispensable.  However, enhanced connectivity will inevitably be accompanied by an increased susceptibility to cyber-attacks.  For this reason, cybersecurity is crucial to ensure that our way of life is not disrupted.  Cybersecurity serves to instil confidence for societies to interact and transact digitally, providing opportunities for social development and economic progress.  This is another area that the First Committee should consider more thoroughly.   

12        On this front, Singapore is taking concrete steps to address the issue.  At the national level, Singapore established the Cyber Security Agency in 2015.  The Agency aims to raise cyber security awareness, provide centralised oversight and develop a robust cybersecurity ecosystem in Singapore.  We will be hosting the inaugural Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) in several days.  The SICW will serve as a platform to deepen collaboration on cybersecurity regionally and internationally.  Regionally, discussions at the ASEAN Ministerial Cyber Security Conference will focus on efforts towards building a cyber-secure Southeast Asia.  Internationally, the Cyber Leaders’ Symposium will bring together thought leaders to exchange perspectives on measures necessary to build a resilient and secure cyberspace. 

Mr Chairman,

13        In conclusion, the task before us is not easy.  We have to redouble our efforts towards the goal of general and complete disarmament.  My delegation pledges our utmost support to you as we endeavour towards a successful outcome. 

14        I thank you, Mr Chairman.

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