STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE, AT THE HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE ON “THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD INSECURITY ON THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY”, UN SECURITY COUNCIL, 13 FEBRUARY 2024

Madam President,

1              Let me begin by congratulating Guyana for assuming the Presidency of the Security Council, and we thank you for convening today’s very timely debate. I thank, in particular, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for his presence this morning and for his very inspiring opening remarks.

Madam President,

2              This debate is timely given the very clear and present danger that climate change presents to peace and security. It is also evident having heard the detailed presentations by the briefers at the outset of the debate this morning that there is a clear nexus between climate change, peace and security, food security, as well as hunger, poverty eradication, and sustainable development. It is clear that climate change has already reduced global agricultural productivity. For example, since 1961, we gather that global agricultural productivity has declined by around 21% and our food’s nutritional value has also declined. Today, global food insecurity is reaching catastrophic levels. Over 780 million people – which is about 10% of the world’s population – are facing hunger. 345 million people in 79 countries are facing acute food insecurity, more than double the pre-pandemic number of 135 million in 53 countries. This will worsen if little or no action is taken to address climate change and its nexus with food insecurity. Besides the economic challenge, food insecurity could also become a source of tension and conflicts as we heard this morning from the presentation of the various briefers. Hence, the urgency in addressing this issue here in this Security Council.

Madam President,

3              As we discuss this issue, we should pay particular attention to the poorest and most vulnerable countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who are often at the frontline of climate change. SIDS are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, floods, and extreme weather patterns, and SIDS’ lack of self-sufficiency, in terms of food, also means that they depend a great deal on imported food and cannot insulate themselves against shocks to the global food supply chain.

4              The world needs urgent and collective action to tackle the interrelated challenges of climate change and food insecurity, and we would like to make three brief points.

5              First, we must all deliver on our climate commitments. The window of opportunity to tackle climate change is closing quickly, and it is critical that we take decisive action, not just to keep the target of 1.5 degrees in sight, but also to mitigate the growing risk of climate insecurity. We must work harder towards achieving just and inclusive transition, unlocking low-carbon solutions and climate finance, and bold climate action for a greener and more sustainable future.

6              Second, we must keep global supply chains free and open. This includes upholding and strengthening a rules-based multilateral trading system; ensuring unimpeded movement of essential items such as food and agricultural commodities; and refraining from imposing export prohibitions or restrictions in a manner inconsistent with relevant provisions of the World Trade Organisation. We must never politicise or weaponise food security, and we must put an end to the vicious cycle between conflict and hunger, and recognise the interrelated foundations of peace and security.

7              Third, we need to build global climate and food resilience. Climate change and food insecurity are global challenges, and we need global efforts to find the right solutions. We have to do so through international collaboration and knowledge sharing. Capitalising on technology and innovation will be key to building sustainable global food systems. Enhancing global capacities in agri-technology, urban food production, and future foods will be essential to strengthen

our resilience. In the case of Singapore, we are exploring climatic controlled vertical farming, which we hope can mitigate the challenges of food production, especially for land-scarce nations.

8              Singapore has also been playing our part in strengthening regional resilience to climate change. For example, last month, our Centre for Climate Research published high-resolution climate change projections for Southeast Asia. By sharing this information with our friends in the region, we hope the data can be useful for adaptation planning, including for food security.

Madam President,

9              There is no doubt that climate change and global food insecurity are matters that impact directly on the maintenance of international peace and security. Singapore will continue to do its part, and we look forward to working with all Member States, including Members of the Security Council, to address the challenges posed by the threat of climate change and food insecurity.

10           Thank you.

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