STATEMENT BY MR WILLIAM LIM, DELEGATE TO THE 67TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 16, THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN PROMOTING A NEW GLOBAL HUMAN ORDER: REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL, ON 21 DECEMBER 2012

Thank you, Mr Chairman,

Singapore expresses our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report to the General Assembly A/67/394 on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order and an assessment of the implications of inequality for development.  We are happy to note that there has been significant progress made in reducing absolute income poverty in the last 30 years.  However, we share the concern of the Secretary-General that despite the significant progress made, income inequality has in-fact been growing in many countries.

As the Secretary-General’s report notes, rising income inequality is a global phenomenon driven by the forces of technological progress and globalisation.  Singapore as a city-state with a small, open economy, is susceptible to the impact of international market forces and competition which drive income differences.

The issue of income inequality is therefore a special challenge to us.  Singapore’s strategy in tackling this challenge is to ensure that all Singaporeans benefit from growth, focusing especially on the lower income groups.  We do this by equipping them with the skills to take on better paying jobs, and through targeted benefits and subsidies, redistributing incomes in a fair and sustainable manner.  At the same time, we are mindful not to create a sense of entitlement or an environment which is stifling to innovation and enterprise, which are counter-productive to growth.

Mr Chairman,

Allow me to share some of the key principles underlying Singapore’s approach in addressing the challenges posed by inequality.

Social Protection without Discouraging Work

As a country with no natural resources, a competent workforce is especially important for Singapore.  Though we firmly believe that we must be able to catch those who fall through the cracks, any safety net should not discourage the incentive to work.  Accordingly, we are strong advocates of the self-help approach.  For example, the Central Provident Fund, an individual-based retirement-savings system that requires co-contributions from employers and employees, is a cornerstone of social protection in Singapore.  Besides retirement, Singaporeans can use these savings for fundamental needs such as housing and healthcare.  Singapore has also introduced the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS), which supplements the wages of low-wage employees.

Community's Involvement: A Many-Helping-Hands Approach

In addition, we practise the "Many-Helping-Hands" approach, where strong participation from community partners, such as community Self-Help-Groups (SHGs) and Voluntary-Welfare-Organisations (VWOs) is key to addressing problems caused by rising income inequality.  The Singapore Government works to strengthen the capabilities of these partners. This approach of working with the community also promotes social inclusivity and cohesiveness.

Mr Chairman,

Inclusive Opportunities for All

As reported by the Secretary-General, inequality can reduce social mobility.  In and of itself, social mobility must be supported by a system which provides inclusive opportunities and equal access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities regardless of one's background.  In this regard, Singapore advocates the principle of "every school a good school" for all Singaporeans so that every Singaporean has access to quality education regardless of where they live and what their socio-economic backgrounds are.  In the higher education landscape, Singapore also strives to provide multiple pathways to success, to allow individuals to pursue excellence in their own ways. 

Mr Chairman,

One Size Does Not Fit All

It is in this spirit that our efforts in international collaboration towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in tackling poverty and inequality must continue to include relevant capacity and capability building efforts. These must be customised according to the political, social and economic environments of the respective countries.  One size does not fit all and a policy suitable to one set of circumstances will not necessarily be useful in another.

Singapore is committed to the efforts of the United Nations and the international community in helping partner countries in the achievement of the MDGs.  We encourage the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as agreed upon at the Rio+20 Conference, which will build on the MDGs and converge with the post 2015 Development Agenda. In this connection, we support the High-level Panel, set by the Secretary General, to prepare a “bold yet practical” vision for the post 2015 Development Agenda.   We also join the Secretary-General in his call for negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) to be completed urgently to establish a fair trading system and deliver the attendant benefits to developing countries.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

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