STATEMENT BY MARTHA CHING, DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE 78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 15: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 6 OCTOBER 2023

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Singapore aligns itself with the statements by the Group of 77 and China; and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2 The findings of the SDG Report released earlier this year are sobering. The multiple and cascading crises we face have significantly unwound progress on the SDGs. Digital technology holds the transformative potential to bring us back on track. But it also presents risks and uncertainties that could further derail the SDGs. Leveraging technology to further sustainable development therefore requires consistent and concerted effort, between and within countries, to minimise the risks of digitalisation while maximising its benefits.

3 Allow me to highlight a few priority areas and share Singapore’s efforts on these fronts:

4 First, ensuring digital inclusivity. Despite significant increases in access and adoption, the digital divide persists and could exacerbate existing inequalities. To ensure inclusive development, gains from digitalisation must be shared equitably. Singapore is equipping our society with digital access, literacy and skills, focusing on vulnerable segments. The Digital for Life movement encourages Singaporeans to embrace digital learning as a lifelong pursuit. The SG Digital Office augments these efforts, reaching out specifically to seniors and small businesses in our heartlands. At the international level, Singapore has launched the Digital Forum for Small States (Digital FOSS) to provide capacity-building for small states on digital issues.

5 Second, a future-oriented approach to digitalisation and digital connectivity is crucial. We must plan with an eye to the future to guide longer-term investment. Singapore has developed a Digital Connectivity Blueprint to outline our strategic priorities for digital infrastructure for the next decade. We have also launched a National AI Strategy and leveraged AI to deal with the most pressing challenges, including health, climate, and food security.

6 Finally, we must strengthen governance of the digital commons, based on a set of shared principles and norms. ASEAN has taken the momentous step of launching negotiations on a regionwide digital economy agreement, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. The facilitation of interoperable digital economy systems, cross-border data flows and digital trade will foster a trusted digital environment.

7 In line with this, Singapore supports the Secretary-General’s initiative for a Global Digital Compact. It will be an important opportunity to build a global digital architecture that is open, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder in nature. The GDC must also outline concrete actions to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. This includes providing universal access and connectivity to the internet by 2030, enhancing capacity-development initiatives for small states and developing countries, as well as developing a global innovation platform to match real-world problems with digital solutions.

Madam Chair,

8 To achieve the 2030 Agenda, we urgently need to harness the transformative potential of technology for sustainable development. Singapore stands ready to do our part, both nationally and collectively, towards this goal.

9 Thank you.

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