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REMARKS BY MR. ALBERT CHUA, PERMANENT SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE, AT THE HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON SEA LEVEL RISE 24 SEPTEMBER 2026

24 September 2026

A concise summary of the main points regarding this article.

Mr President,

               Singapore stands with our friends today to welcome the adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise. Singapore knows the threat of sea level rise very well. Thirty percent of our island is less than five metres above sea level. Some of our fellow Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face even greater risks, and we commend their leadership, which has kept sea level rise high on the international agenda. 

2             International cooperation underpinned by international law is critical. For SIDS, sea level rise should not undermine the stability of a State's maritime zones or the continuity of its statehood.

3             On maritime zones, Singapore’s longstanding position has been that United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework within which all law of the sea-related items must be considered, including the implications of sea level rise on maritime rights and entitlements. The Declaration affirms the central role of UNCLOS. It also affirms that States can, after establishing their maritime zones in accordance with UNCLOS, maintain such zones in the face of physical changes resulting from sea-level rise.

4             On statehood, the Declaration affirms the presumption in favour of continued statehood and underscores the continuity of statehood in the face of sea-level rise.

5             These affirmations represent an important step towards providing greater legal certainty, stability, and predictability for all States, particularly SIDS. As we move towards implementation, our efforts must continue to be anchored in, and consistent with, UNCLOS and the broader framework of international law.

6             Singapore will continue to work closely with fellow SIDS members and other like-minded partners to advance efforts to build on the Declaration and translate it into meaningful action.

7             Thank you.