STATEMENT BY MISS CLARE CHOW, DELEGATE TO THE 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 19, ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 16 OCTOBER 2014
16 October 2014
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
Mr Chairman
1 My delegation is pleased to align itself with the statements made by Bolivia on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Thailand on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Nauru on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
Mr Chairman
2 Achieving sustainable development across the three dimensions of social, economic and environment is not a zero sum game. Rather, it is about learning to achieve more with less. The global mindset on sustainable development has to graduate from a “good to have” to a “must have”. This is especially critical as we grapple with increasing demand on finite natural resources and the impacts of a rapidly changing global climate, amongst other challenges.
3 The realisation of sustainable development in an interdependent world requires collective resolve from the international community. The recent conclusion of the work of the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a clear demonstration of what constructive international cooperation can achieve. In this regard, Singapore welcomes the adoption of the resolution 68/309 entitled “Report of the OWG on SDGs established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 66/288” and supports the resolution’s decision for the OWG report to be the main basis for integrating SDGs into the post-2015 Development Agenda. We also call for the adoption of clear, pragmatic and measurable targets under the post-2015 Development Agenda.
4 The work of the UN in shaping a global sustainable agenda has drawn its fair share of cynicism – some critics have labelled the recently concluded SDGs as “meaningless”, “improbable” and even a “narcissistic delusion”. While critics are entitled to their scepticism, my delegation strongly believes that a global development agenda is needed to catalyse national actions and encourage governments, NGOs, private players and the community to form effective partnerships and achieve more through cooperative actions.
5 Singapore will continue to contribute towards global efforts in charting a sustainable development pathway for the world, especially in the areas of urbanisation, water and sanitation given our development experience. In line with SDG 6 on “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”, Singapore looks forward to the commemoration of the World Toilet Day in the context of Sanitation for All on 19 November as a step in furthering the cause.
Mr Chairman
6 As a small low-lying coastal city in Southeast Asia, Singapore shares similar vulnerabilities as our fellow Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and understands dearly the developmental concerns of SIDS. As such, Singapore was honoured to co-chair the Preparatory Committee of the Third UN Conference on SIDS.
7 The SAMOA Pathway outcome document is a significant achievement – it is an acknowledgement from the international community on the irrefutable need to address the social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities of SIDS. However, we should not rest on our laurels. The implementation of the SAMOA Pathway is the next crucial milestone. To contribute to the implementation process, Singapore has prepared a dedicated three-year technical cooperation package under the Singapore Cooperation Programme to provide more customised technical assistance and fellowships in areas that are relevant to SIDS’ capacity building needs.
Mr Chairman
8 To achieve global sustainable development, the appropriate policies and actions must first be pursued at the national level. This is why Singapore has placed sustainable development at the core of our nation-building efforts. Singapore firmly believes that development should not come at the expense of the quality of our living environment. We are a small highly urbanised city state, yet an extensive network of greenery and recreational water spaces has been integrated within our city infrastructure. Our living environment remains liveable, clean and green hand-in-hand with significant economic progress. While we are a water scarce country, we ensure that every person has access to clean, affordable and drinkable water.
9 Looking ahead, Singapore is cognizant that pursuing sustainable development is an ongoing journey. For this reason, we are reviewing our Sustainable Singapore Blueprint this year to ensure the relevance of our sustainable development strategies aginst a backdrop of rising urban density, climate change and other environmental concerns. We will also continue to share our experiences and learn from others who are on the same journey. Singapore may be small, but our impact need not be insignificant.
Mr Chairman
10 Realising sustainable development requires resources, time and hard work, but there is a greater cost to inaction. Our efforts here at the UN will determine if we can turn the Rio+20 aspiration of “The Future We Want” from rhetoric to reality. There is no better time than now to act. We can and we shall make 2015 a pivotal, meaningful and consequential year for the world and its people.
Mr Chairman
11 Allow me to end my statement with a quote from Mother Teresa – “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
12 I thank you.
. . . . . . . . . .