STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR AT THE INFORMAL PLENARY MEETING TO HEAR A BRIEFING BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON HER PRIORITIES FOR THE RESUMED PART OF THE 80TH SESSION, 14 JANUARY 2026

1      Thank you very much, Madam President, for your comprehensive statement. We, as Singapore, extend our full support to you and for your presidency, and we endorse your priorities as you have outlined them. 

Mdm President, 

2      We are traversing a very dangerous and disruptive moment in international relations, characterised by multipolarity, great power rivalry, unilateral actions and increasing violations of the rule of law. In such a challenging context, the role of the United Nations and the General Assembly has become more critical than ever. For small states like Singapore, the multilateral system, founded on international law and the principles of the UN Charter, is not a nice-to-have option. It is an existential necessity. Indeed, we believe that for all countries, big or small, the UN has great value in terms of the contribution it makes to peace and security and to all three pillars of the UN. The UN provides a framework, in particular for peace and security based on the rule of law. And we agree with you, Madam President, that now is the time to step up and stand up for the United Nations and the multilateral system. Now is not a moment for pessimism or passivity. Now is the time to be proactive, pragmatic and principled. 

3      Please allow me to make three quick points. 

4      First, it is important that all members of the UN rally and come together to protect and reinforce the role of the General Assembly as a common space for dialogue and for building understanding, building bridges and building consensus based on mutual respect. The role we play here as representatives or permanent representatives, is very important.  Each one of us here has a responsibility to make a contribution to building bridges and building consensus. 

5      Second, we believe it is important for the UN to continue to reform and revitalise its work. The UN80 process and the revitalisation processes are very important in that regard. It is absolutely vital that we streamline overlapping mandates, reduce the number of meetings and reports, so that we make the process effective and efficient for all of us. 

6      And the third point that I would like to make is that the General Assembly must deliver results and make a contribution to all three pillars of the United Nations. In this regard, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future is absolutely vital. And I note that this Saturday, the 17^th of January, the BBNJ agreement comes into effect. This is an example of pragmatic and principled multilateralism. 

7      We look forward to working with everyone, to support the work of the General Assembly and strengthen the UN and multilateralism.

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