STATEMENT BY MISS NG BOON YIAN, DELEGATE TO THE 71st SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE PERMANENT MISSION OF REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 126 ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS AND REGIONAL/OTHER ORGANISATIONS, PLENARY, 21 NOVEMBER 2016

Mr President,

1        At the outset, I would like to extend our appreciation to you for convening this important debate.  We also thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organisations. 

2        Let me begin with an obvious proposition: the United Nations cannot work alone.  Regional and other organisations must be engaged to complement and support the work of the United Nations and uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.  Many global challenges that we face today - from climate change to terrorism - are complex and of a transnational nature.  A close partnership between the United Nations and regional and other organisations is necessary to address such challenges effectively.  Regional organisations will be able to work in concert with the United Nations to develop customised strategies to implement our collective goals such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and Paris Agreement, and to do so in ways that take into account their unique circumstances and needs.  International organisations with functional expertise can be tapped upon to enhance our capabilities to achieve our collective goals. 

3        In this regard, Singapore welcomes the adoption of the resolutions on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organisations.  The significant number of resolutions adopted this year attests to the broad network of partnerships the United Nations has forged.  This network should be deepened and broadened. 

4        Of note, Singapore strongly supports the adoption of a new resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the INTERPOL, which we have the honour of co-sponsoring.  The adoption of the resolution is timely and relevant.  The threat of transnational crime has increased, as criminal networks exploit technological advances and connectivity to further illicit activities which have grown in sophistication.  For example, cybercrime is becoming more prevalent and pervasive.  We have also witnessed a stronger nexus between organised crime and terrorism as terrorists resort to criminal activities to finance, plan and carry out their nefarious activities.  Tackling these fast-evolving threats therefore require much stronger cooperation among Member States and with key partners such as INTERPOL. 

5        INTERPOL, with its long history, has played a key role as the world’s largest international police organisation.  Singapore has been a proud member of the INTERPOL since 1968, and is privileged to be able to play our part to support international law enforcement by hosting the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation.  The Global Complex in Singapore aims to equip police all around the world with tools and capabilities to confront increasingly sophisticated crime.  The Global Complex focuses on digital security, including how to strengthen cybersecurity and counter cybercrime; providing capacity building; as well as operational and investigative support.  Situated in the heart of Asia, the Global Complex has broadened partnerships between INTERPOL and relevant stakeholders in Asia.  Singapore looks forward to working closely with INTERPOL and the United Nations to explore ways to enhance cooperation through the Global Complex.   

Mr President,

6        As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (or ASEAN), Singapore also looks forward to the adoption of the resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN later this year.  It is encouraging that cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN has continued to grow and strengthen over the years. The new Plan of Action 2016-2020 that we recently adopted to implement the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations will be a useful roadmap for our collaboration in the years ahead.  One area that both sides should focus on is how to enhance complementarities between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ASEAN’s Vision 2025.  As ASEAN continues to press ahead with its regional integration efforts, we will be keen to deepen our partnership with the United Nations to further the goals of the UN Charter and to create a better and safer world for our citizens.

8        Thank you, Mr President.

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