STATEMENT BY MS. JACELYN LIN, DELEGATE TO THE 80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOR THE SOUTH 16 SEPTEMBER 2025 UNHQ, NEW YORK

Thank you, Chair. 

1 Singapore is pleased to join fellow Member States in commemorating the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South. This day reminds us of the collective resilience and ingenuity of the Global South, and of our shared responsibility to work towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future.

2 Today, the world faces several interlocking challenges that complicate our efforts to achieving the 2030 Agenda, from climate change and food insecurity to the growing digital divide and public health crises. Science, technology and innovation (STI) have become critical in addressing these challenges and unlocking more concrete progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With only five years remaining to 2030, countries must accelerate national efforts and deepen international partnerships to harness the potential of STI effectively.

3 This approach has been a core pillar of Singapore’s development ethos. We have consistently invested in STI to improve upon public service delivery, our economy and infrastructure, as well as to explore new areas of growth and push the frontiers of innovation. Through our Research, Innovation and Enterprise plans, we have strengthened our capabilities in areas such as digital technologies, biomedical sciences and sustainability. We have also been happy to share our experiences with other developing countries through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, which has trained close to 160,000 officials from more than 180 countries, territories and intergovernmental organisations in key areas including STI. We believe that such partnerships can catalyse growth across the Global South and contribute to the more effective integration of developing countries into the global economy.  

4 Today, we have heard from colleagues on their efforts in mobilising STI for the public good. We commend these achievements and draw inspiration from examples such as Cuba, which has built strong capabilities in biotechnology and public health, including the development of vaccines and treatments that benefit its people and the wider global community. This is a concrete example of how investments in STI can deliver transformative outcomes for sustainable development.

5 The challenges before us require collective solutions, and we must remain united in our resolve to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Singapore stands ready to continue to work closely with fellow developing countries to harness STI and build a sustainable future for all.

6 Thank you.

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