STATEMENT BY MISS ANN-MARGARET MATHEW, DELEGATE TO THE 75TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 130, ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS AND REGIONAL AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, PLENARY, 23 NOVEMBER 2020

Mr President,

1 My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his report on the cooperation and activities undertaken by the UN and regional and other organisations in the past year, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 2020 has shown all too clearly that many of the challenges we face today are multi-faceted, inter-connected, and transnational in nature.  Many countries continue to struggle with conflict and violence, which have in many cases been exacerbated by the emergence of contemporary threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.  It is increasingly clear that countries cannot tackle these challenges alone.  Regional and other organisations are important actors in building sustainable peace and development.  Strengthening regional and other frameworks to support greater cooperation, economic integration and conflict prevention will reinforce national efforts to build resilience and enable countries to be better prepared to respond to common challenges.

3 In this regard, Singapore would like to make three points.

4 One, as set out in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, regional cooperation is an important aspect of the UN’s work.  Singapore believes that the international community stands to benefit from the increased interaction and coordination between the UN and regional and other organisations in the implementation of their respective mandates.  Due to proximity and history, these organisations have distinct approaches which provide unique insights into what works.  We are heartened that the UN has taken proactive steps to enhance this collaboration.  The number of resolutions being adopted today attests to the broad network of partnerships that the UN has forged.  Singapore supports the further strengthening of the UN’s network of partnerships. 

5 Two, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore looks forward to the adoption of the resolution on cooperation between the UN and ASEAN.  Since its formalisation in 2011, the comprehensive partnership between ASEAN and the UN has expanded into many areas and contributed meaningfully to the realisation of the common goals of peace, stability and sustainable development.  In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the UN and ASEAN have played a critical role in increasing Southeast Asia’s collective resilience and maintaining supply chain connectivity.

6 Singapore welcomes the continued high-level engagement between the UN and ASEAN, most recently the 11th ASEAN-UN Summit which took place via videoconference earlier this month.  The adoption of a second ASEAN-UN Plan of Action for 2021 to 2025 will pave the way for new areas of cooperation.  Amongst other priorities, it will advance complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; further ASEAN’s sustainable urbanisation efforts via the ASEAN Smart Cities Network; and enhance ASEAN-UN cybersecurity cooperation.  As ASEAN continues to press ahead with regional integration, we will continue to deepen our partnership with the UN to create a better and safer world for our people.

7 Three, Singapore is pleased to have co-sponsored the draft resolution on cooperation between the UN and INTERPOL.  Since its establishment, INTERPOL has played a critical role in international law enforcement.  Singapore is proud to contribute to this endeavour.  We have been a member of INTERPOL since 1968; and have hosted the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation since 2015.  Singapore will continue to work closely with INTERPOL and the UN to enhance cooperation through the Global Complex.

8 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the UN’s continued cooperation with regional and other organisations to not only respond to the impact of the pandemic, but also to continue with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in a coordinated, action-oriented and forward-looking manner.  Singapore will remain a committed partner in these efforts. 

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