STATEMENT BY MISS JULIA YEE, DELEGATE TO THE 76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 91, ON THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA), PLENARY, 17 NOVEMBER 2021

Mr President,

  Singapore thanks IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat for their continued efforts in carrying out the Agency’s important work and providing strong support to Member States in safeguards verification, advancing scientific and technical cooperation and capacity-building, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

2                  The IAEA has been a steadfast partner of the international community over the years.  It has built up a strong reputation and high degree of trust for its technical competence, professionalism, and impartiality. Singapore reiterates our continued support for the IAEA’s work and is pleased to once again co-sponsor the draft resolution “Report of the IAEA” this year. I would like to make four brief points.

3                  First, as the sole competent authority responsible for verifying States’ fulfilment of their safeguards obligations, the IAEA plays a critical role in advancing the international non-proliferation regime. Through its professionalism, objectivity and continued efforts to develop more robust safeguards evaluation mechanisms, the IAEA builds trust and international confidence that nuclear material and technology are not misused or diverted from peaceful uses. Singapore urges all States Parties to honour their obligations under their respective Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements with the Agency and, where applicable, the Additional Protocol.

4                  Second, the IAEA plays an indispensable role in setting high standards of nuclear safety and security, and in assisting Member States to implement these standards. Beyond its clear frameworks, the IAEA’s Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN) is an effective platform to enhance international cooperation and dialogue, and harmonise national approaches on this front. It is also essential for all States Parties to uphold their commitments under international legal instruments such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety, and the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. This will allow us to protect our peoples, our societies and the environment, whilst harnessing the benefits of nuclear technologies safely.

5                  Third, we welcome the IAEA’s work on nuclear science and technology transfers through its Technical Cooperation Programme, which plays a critical role in helping developing Member States, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, tackle constantly evolving challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In this regard, we welcome the IAEA’s partnership with ASEAN through the ASEAN-IAEA Practical Arrangements, and the support that the IAEA has provided to ASEAN for the safe and secure utilisation of radiation and nuclear technologies.

6                  Finally, we welcome the excellent cooperation between the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA) and the IAEA Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

7                  Singapore also looks forward to deepening our cooperation with the IAEA, especially on the priority areas identified under our Country Programme Framework for the 2021-2025 period. As we work collectively to build a safer and secure future for all, Singapore will continue to support the IAEA actively and constructively in its efforts to effectively discharge its mandate.

8                  I thank you, Mr President.

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