STATEMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY KAREN TAN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON THE FIRST PREPARATORY COMMITTEE MEETING FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HOUSING AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HABITAT III), 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

Co-Chairs,

1                 At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on your election as Co-Chiars.  My delegation wishes to align itself with the statement made by Bolivia on behalf of the G77 and China.

2                 It is indeed timely that we gather here in the United Nations over the next two days to initiate the preparations for HABITAT III.  Given the political, economic, social and environmental developments over the past eighteen years, there is an urgency to define the new urban agenda.  In Singapore’s view, the new urban agenda should be based on three goals – a high quality of life; a competitive economy; and a sustainable environment. 

3                 This vision is shaped by our urban experience.  When Singapore became independent in 1965, we experienced similar challenges to what other cities face today.  At that time, Singapore was a city with poor infrastructure, poor sanitation, and traffic congestion.  Nearly three quarters of our population lived in housing akin to squatter settlements.

4                 Yet 50 years later, Singapore is one of the most liveable cities in the world.  We have resolved our informal settlements through public housing. We have also completed three integrated plans since Habitat II in 1996, as well as developed the Singapore Sustainability Blueprint in 2009.  In addition, we have completed a comprehensive transport plan which focused on public transit.

5                 Building a highly liveable city in Singapore has been possible because of a combination of careful governance over the last 50 years, as well as learning from the best practices of other cities.  Our experience in this area has been distilled and compiled into a Liveability Framework.   As many cities in Asia, Latin America and Africa today face exponential population growth, land scarcity, overburdened infrastructure and social challenges, Singapore’s high density- high liveability framework is of relevance. That is why I invite you to consider Singapore’s growth framework as a basis for the new urban agenda.

6                 This framework is achieved through two systems: integrated master planning and dynamic urban governance.  First, we plan our cities for 15-50 year time frames, while building-in flexibility to adjust to changing conditions.  In addition, we ensure all agencies are integrated productively, and implementing all plans with sufficient capability and resources, as well as systematically evaluate to incorporate innovation in policy and technology.  Second, urban governance systems are based on integrity, led by leaders who are both visionary and pragmatic.  These leaders need sound institutions to carry out the plans.  In addition, participatory planning is vital to promote equity and an engaged citizenry. Finally, city governments need to have the capacity to negotiate well-designed contracts and guidelines for the city’s long term benefit.    

Co-Chairs,

7                 Sustainable development goal 11 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable – crafted by the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores the key role which urbanisation plays in the world today.  Singapore believes that we can contribute to the elaboration of urbanisation in the context of the post-2015 development agenda as well as the new urban agenda through this Liveability Framework.  Singapore hopes that the elements of the Liveability Framework will be considered by the Preparatory Committee as Singapore’s input to the zero draft of the outcome document for the HABITAT III Conference.  

8                 I thank you for your attention.

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