STATEMENT BY MS WANG SHUO, FIRST SECRETARY, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 75TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL FIRST COMMITTEE, 16 OCTOBER 2020

Thank you Mr Chair,

 
1 Singapore congratulates you and the members of your Bureau on your appointments. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by Viet Nam, on behalf of ASEAN; and by Indonesia, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and adds the following points in our national capacity: 

 
2 First, we must continue to affirm and strengthen the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We need to rebuild trust and confidence; uphold commitments to existing arms control and disarmament agreements; and work together on pragmatic steps to maintain international security within the framework of international law. 

3 To this end, Singapore looks forward to the successful convening of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference in January 2021, or as soon as the global situation allows. As the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, it is important for the NPT process to maintain its relevance and credibility by achieving substantive and concrete outcomes. 

4 The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) also remains a key tool to advance disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and build mutual trust and confidence. We call on all Member States, in particular the Annex 2 countries that have yet to sign and ratify the CTBT, to take concrete steps to bring it into force. Progress at the Conference on Disarmament and on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) is long overdue as well. We also hope for a successful session of the UN Disarmament Commission in 2021. 

5 At the regional level, Singapore supports the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zones (NWFZs), which are concrete steps towards a world free of nuclear weapons. We reaffirm our commitment to the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and look forward to continued dialogue with Nuclear Weapon States on their accession to its Protocol, without reservations. We also welcome all efforts to achieve genuine and lasting peace in a nuclear-weapons-free Middle East. We strongly support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) central role in maintaining nuclear safety and security. We encourage all Member States to work with the IAEA, uphold their commitments, refrain from escalation of tensions, and renew efforts towards our common goal of a safer world for all. 

6 Singapore also supports efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space. We reiterate our commitment to the peaceful uses of outer space, and reaffirm that all activities in the exploration and use of outer space must be carried out in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. We look forward to exploring practical initiatives to ensure the security and sustainability of this global commons.  

7 Second, Member States must continue to develop common international standards for the transfer of conventional arms to end illicit trade and regulate stockpiles. Singapore was honoured to be a member of the 2019 UN Register of Conventional Arms Group of Governmental Experts (GGE). We hope to continue contributing to the GGE’s work. 

8 A critical element in efforts to curb the illicit production, trafficking, and trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is the full implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects. Singapore urges all Member States to work collectively toward a successful consensus outcome at the 7th Biennial Meeting. 

9 Third, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how crucial digital capabilities are to maintaining essential services. Cybersecurity is an enabler of a safer and more stable cyberspace in which we can operate with confidence and reap the benefits of a digital future. Earlier this month, the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) saw a productive exchange among global policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts on key issues including international law, norms of responsible behaviour, and standards development. We hope such discussions will contribute to existing dialogues at the UN, which represents the best platform to advance responsible State behaviour in cyberspace, implement confidence-building measures, and coordinate capacity-building efforts. In this regard, my delegation will continue to engage constructively at both the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), and the GGE on cybersecurity. We look forward to working with all colleagues towards substantive outcomes and a common rules-based multilateral system in cyberspace. 

Mr Chair, 

10 Singapore remains fully committed to a world free of nuclear weapons. As a major transhipment hub, we take our non-proliferation and disarmament obligations seriously. Singapore is fully committed to implementing all relevant UNSC Resolutions, including to prevent the illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction.

11 My delegation looks forward to working with all Member States to achieve a successful outcome. 

I thank you, Mr Chair.

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