STATEMENT BY MR MARK SEAH, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE, AT THE MEETING TO “INCREASE THE UNDERSTANDING OF POSITIONS AND FOSTERING CONVERGENCES AMONG IGN PARTICIPANTS”, 13 DECEMBER 2023, TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL CHAMBER

Thank you, Co-Chairs,

1 It is good to see both of you helming this process once more.  We wish you both every success, and assure you of my delegation’s full support.

Co-Chairs,

2 Your letter of 22 November 2023 stated that the purpose of this meeting was to address all five clusters mentioned in Decision 62/557 in a comprehensive and concentrated manner rather than to re-state positions.  My PR has previously outlined in a comprehensive and detailed way Singapore’s position on UNSC reform and the IGN process.  We do not intend to restate our views here in this meeting.  However, allow me just to highlight a few points. 

3 The fundamental point we wish to make is that the IGN process must consider the perspectives and interests of small states.  Others have made this point this morning. Any outcome form the IGN process will not be credible if the perspective and interests of small states are not addressed adequately.  Allow me to briefly address the aspects of Security Council reform with the most potential to impact small states.  There have been several proposals on this subject, which your revised elements paper of 5 June 2023 has summarised. 

4 Singapore has expressed support for expanding both categories of membership, in particular to address the historic under and un-representation of regions such as Africa.  At the same time, we have cautioned that permanent membership is not a pre-ordained right, but a privilege that comes with responsibilities.

Co-Chairs

5 We have previously noted that over 50 small states have not served on the Council.  The fact is that small states are systematically and structurally disadvantaged when they run for elections to be non-permanent members of the Council.  It is therefore important that any reforms should not further tilt the playing field in favour of the big and powerful at the expense of small, which form over half of the UN’s membership.  We note that some proposals for reform have incorporated the idea of a dedicated seat for small states.  This is a helpful proposal but we do not believe that offering just one single dedicated seat for small states is reasonable or equitable, given that more than fifty small states have not yet served in the Council and given the reality that they face tremendous difficulties in seeking elections.

6 In conclusion, we reiterate that any reform must secure broad-based support; it cannot be an opportunity for some of the larger players to advance their interests while the interests of the majority of the UN membership are marginalised.   

7 Thank you for your attention.

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