NATIONAL STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK, AT THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM) COORDINATING BUREAU MINISTERIAL MEETING, 6 JULY 2023, BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Mr Chairman,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

1 On behalf of my delegation, I thank the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting this important Ministerial Meeting. At the outset, I would like to state that Singapore fully endorses and supports the statement made by Indonesia on behalf of the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2 We are witnessing intense and sharpening strategic competition between the major powers. In the context of an evolving geopolitical landscape, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) can play an important role as a platform to build understanding and to bridge differences between larger powers. As a grouping of countries that are non-aligned, we do have an interest in supporting dialogue and cooperation among the major powers, so that we have the space to pursue our national interests. At the same time, it is crucial for us to recall and promote the Bandung principles which remain highly relevant today. If we are truly committed to being non-aligned and the Bandung Principles, then members of NAM must be fully committed to defending and showing full respect for the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter; to respecting the sovereignty and territory integrity of all nations; and to respecting the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, non-aggression, and international law.

3 As a movement, we must be vigilant against turning NAM into an arena for great power politics. If we are faithful to the Bandung Principles, we should not allow NAM to become a vehicle or instrument for the great powers to advance their own national interests.

Mr Chairman,

4 Under the leadership of Azerbaijan, NAM has provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation and as a result, reinforced the relevance and importance of multilateralism and international cooperation. In this regard, I would like to make three specific points on how the Movement can remain united, steadfast and relevant.

5 First, NAM must continue to chart a course of genuine non-alignment, and cooperation with all countries. Non-alignment does not mean being silent on key issues of the day. On the contrary, as a movement, we must take clear and principled positions on issues that violate the fundamental norms of the UN Charter and international law. NAM must remain united and uphold our founding principles which is highly critical to defending our independence and sovereignty, and maintaining the equality of states.

6 Second, we must enhance collaboration to address non-traditional security challenges with transnational impacts that cannot be addressed by any country on its own. We must take immediate action against climate change which is an existential threat to many countries, especially small island developing states, and we need to seek innovative ways to protect our environment and biodiversity. Even as we reap the benefits of technological advancements such as ICTs and artificial intelligence, we must ensure that such technology is used in accordance with the objectives of promoting international peace and security. The Movement can and should play a leading role in advocating for global norms and rules to deal with these new emerging challenges.

7 Third, the Movement must continue actively to promote Member States’ interests at the General Assembly as well as at the Security Council. Singapore believes that NAM has much to contribute to preserving and strengthening the multilateral system. By speaking as one collective voice, we remind the international community that might does not make right, and the needs of all Member States must be taken into account.

Mr Chairman,

8 In closing, I thank Azerbaijan for its leadership in steering the Movement through challenging times in the past few years. I would also like to express Singapore’s support and full cooperation to Uganda as it prepares to take over the chairmanship of the Movement in 2024.

9 I thank you for your attention.

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