STATEMENT BY MR. HAN KAIJIE, DELEGATE TO THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 15: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE 18 OCTOBER 2024

Thank you, Mr Chair. 

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

2 The nexus of information and communications technology, and development offers us a historic opportunity to reimagine global systems to ensure no one is left behind. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has enabled development in areas such as health, education, and the economy. It is imperative that we seize the opportunities offered by ICTs, while nimbly and responsibly managing the potential disruptions that such technologies could bring. This is why leveraging technology to further sustainable development requires consistent and dedicated effort underwritten by openness, interoperability and strong international cooperation. We have already taken a strong first step with the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, which Singapore wholeheartedly supports. Allow me to make four points: 

3 First, promoting digital inclusion by improving digital literacy and enhancing human capital is key to leveraging the potential of ICTs for sustainable development. We must ensure that the benefits of digital transformation accrue to all, and that no one is left behind. In Singapore, we do this through programmes such as the National Digital Literacy Programme, Skills Framework for Infocomm Technology, and Seniors Go Digital programme, which promote digital skills for daily living, employability, businesses, and education. It is also crucial that we work together at the UN to share experiences and learn from each other. For example, Singapore recently collaborated with UNDP to create the Digital Inclusion Playbook 2.0, which draws on experiences from across 60 countries and presents a strategy framework to support countries in taking action to accelerate digital inclusion tailored to local contexts. 

4 Second, we need to encourage the development of robust digital public infrastructure by States and stakeholders in digital solutions. A concerted effort to accelerate the development, adoption and sharing of such tools can serve as the basis for joint progress of the SDGs at the global level. It is for this reason that Singapore supports the work of the Digital Public Goods Alliance, and in particular DPGA’s 50-in-5 campaign which aims to facilitate the efforts of 50 countries to design, launch and scale DPI projects by 2028. Singapore is proud to contribute two locally-developed DPI tools, namely FormSG for the creation of government forms and Isomer for the creation of government websites. These are open-sourced for the benefit of all.  We look forward to working together at the UN to enhance and accelerate the development DPI projects worldwide. 

5 Third, we must strengthen interoperability at all levels as a fundamental basis of an open and inclusive global ICT environment. Our digital policies and platforms should be developed and designed to communicate across systems and borders. It is important to ensure that users and information can move between and beyond individual technological and regulatory ecosystems so that our citizens, businesses and societies can benefit from the full potential of ICTs and the internet. 

6 Fourth, we must place international cooperation at the heart of our efforts. There is much that we can learn from one another’s experiences and much that we can do to support each other on our digital transformation journeys. On our part, Singapore has worked with ASEAN to launch the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics during the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting earlier this year. The guide establishes common principles and supports the deployment of trustworthy AI in our region. We also worked with Rwanda to launch an AI Playbook for Small States at the UN last month. It features stories, experiences and collective wisdom from fellow members of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) on harnessing AI for the public good. 

7 Singapore will continue to work with the UN and other partners to harness ICT and create a sustainable future for all.

Thank you.

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