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New York UN

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ENTITLED "BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PEACE FOR ALL: SYNERGIES BETWEEN THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINING PEACE", ECOSOC CHAMBER, 24 JANUARY 2017

24 January 2017

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Mr President,


1                 Thank you for organising this dialogue on the synergies between sustainable development and sustaining peace. There has always been a strong relationship between peace and development and this is recognised in the UN Charter.  The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) is therefore essential not only for sustainable development but also for sustaining the peace we secure through development.  I wish to make three points.


2                 First, the synergy between the 2030 Agenda and sustaining peace must be maximised at the domestic level. Many societies today face tensions and divisions caused by income inequality that is exacerbated by globalization.  In such a context, Governments have a responsibility to protect their people and provide a better future for them.   The implementation of the 2030 Agenda can help to strengthen social inclusiveness and resilience.


3                 While all the SDGs are interlinked, the implementation of SDG 16 and its targets deserve specific mention.  In our view, the rule of law and the establishment of strong, inclusive and effective public institutions, are key factors that contribute to an inclusive and peaceful society.   These institutions, including the civil service, judiciary, and law enforcement system, must be built on the principles of integrity, equal justice and meritocracy. A strong public service, rooted in these principles, can make an important contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.


4                 My second point is that regional organisations play an important role in fostering peace and development in the region.  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has played a critical role to foster peace and stability in Southeast Asia.   Since its founding in 1967, ASEAN has helped to keep the region focused on cooperation and development instead of beggar-thy-neighbour policies.  ASEAN has also established a regional architecture, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), that facilitate mutual trust and understanding, encourage habits of cooperation and promote peace and stability.


5                 The UN can and must support initiatives taken by regional organisations to promote development and peace.  Regular dialogue between the UN and regional organisations is necessary.  ASEAN has benefitted from its partnership with the UN, and we look forward to the implementation of the 2016-2020 ASEAN-UN Plan of Action. 


6                 Third, sustaining peace and sustainable development require a strong international system based on international norms, international rules and international law. The role of the UN is critical as it is the ultimate defender of a rules-based multilateral system.  To sustain the peace, we need an international system based on rules, not an international system based on the notion that might makes right.  We need an international system based on the principle of sovereign equality of nations, and not a system where big countries impose their will on small countries.   We need an international system that protects the rights of small states, weak states and vulnerable states. 


7       The close nexus between the concept of sustaining peace and the 2030 Agenda requires the UN system to work in a more integrated and coordinated way.  There can be no silos any more.   In this regard, We applaud and support the call by the UNSG to make 2017 a year of peace.  The new SG is already leading the way.  The establishment of an Executive Committee and the appointment of a Senior Advisor on Policy are welcome steps to break silos and create better synergy in the work of the UN across the three different pillars within the Secretariat. 


8                 We also welcome the steps that the PGA is taking to foster closer alignment of interests between the Presidents of the Security Council and ECOSOC.  We also support the PGA to have regular meetings with the Secretary-General, a process that has already begun.


9                 Let me conclude by saying that greater coordination among UN agencies and UN organs is not an end in itself.  It is a means to achieve our common goal of peace and development.  Each UN agency has a role to play and a mandate to discharge.  Each UN organ has its part to contribute.  And each UN member-state has a responsibility to fulfil, by working with other UN member-states, to support the work of the UN and strengthen the UN system.  As Singapore, we remain committed to working with the UN Secretary-General and with other member states to maximise the synergy between the 2030 Agenda and sustaining peace.  Thank you.


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