STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE HIGH LEVEL PLENARY MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO COMMEMORATE AND PROMOTE THE “INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MULTILATERALISM AND DIPLOMACY FOR PEACE”, WEDNESDAY, 24 APRIL 2019

Madam President,

1.                It is significant that the United Nations has dedicated a day to reflect on the importance of multilateralism. Today is a day to reflect on and recognise the value of multilateralism. More importantly, today is a day to reaffirm and renew our commitment to multilateralism, and to the rules based multilateral system. The multilateral system is far from perfect, but it has brought peace and development over the last 70 years. All states, big and small, have benefited from and continue to benefit from this system.

2.                The multilateral rules-based system is critical for small states like Singapore. But it is a fallacy to think that the multilateral system only benefits the small states. The larger states, the great powers, have benefitted as much from the multilateral system, which brings stability and predictability. In recent months, there has been increasing anxiety and concerns that the multilateral system is being tested and challenged. There has clearly been a resurgence in nationalism, isolationism, xenophobia, and a rejection of some basic principles of free trade and global economic integration. At the same time, it is clear that the scale and transboundary nature of many challenges we face today far surpass the capacity of any one nation to manage. Whether it is climate change, pandemics, the global humanitarian crisis, transnational terrorism or the disruptive effects of new technologies, unilateralism cannot solve global challenges. We need global solutions, and we need international norms and rules. In short, we need a multilateral rules-based system.

3.                The key to managing these global challenges lies in strengthening the multilateral rules based system, not retreating from it. In a world that is interconnected and interdependent, we need stronger rules to manage inter-state relations and inter-state commerce.  Agreements signed must be respected and implemented.  We need to strengthen international institutions, not weaken them.  We need to support regional cooperation, based on respect for rule of law.  And we need new global norms and rules to deal with challenges such as artificial intelligence and cyber security.

4.                The fact that multilateralism is being tested is of course a challenge. But it also gives us an opportunity to mobilise support and to defend and strengthen the system that we painstakingly built over the last seven decades.

5.                The UN is the only truly universal and legitimate multilateral forum available to us.  We know it is not perfect, and that it needs to adapt to become more agile and responsive. That is why we welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General to reform the UN and to make it more fit for purpose. The UN and the multilateral system are also not a panacea to cure all problems.  But their importance cannot be understated.  Singapore strongly believes that the UN, especially a reformed and revitalised UN, can substantially improve the lives of people all around the world.  

6.                Multilateralism should not be viewed from a binary win-lose lens. If we fail to strengthen our system of cooperative internationalism, we will end up in a lose-lose situation, where development, growth, productivity, innovation and job creation globally slows down. We will be a weaker world without multilateralism, and this in turn will weaken our national capacities to deal with challenges.  Multilateralism remains our best chance for shared success.  The alternative is a world in which might is right; where the strong do what they will, and the weak suffer what they must. This is not a viable option in the age of interconnectedness and interdependence.  We all have a part to play to support and strengthen the multilateral system.  To achieve this, trust, inclusiveness and dialogue will be critical.

Madam President,

7.                Let me conclude by saying that every country, large and small, has a responsibility to support and strengthen the multilateral system.  Naturally, the big powers have a special responsibility to safeguard the multilateral system and contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. However, this does not mean that other countries have no role or no responsibility.  In particular, the smaller countries must continue to speak up and show their support for multilateralism and for the important role played by the United Nations. As a small country, Singapore remains deeply committed to the multilateral system and the United Nations.  We look forward to working closely with all countries to strengthen the multilateral system and to make it fit for purpose and fit for the future.

8.                I thank you, Madam President.

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