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New York UN

STATEMENT BY MS SHEN WANLING, DELEGATE TO THE 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 21 ON GLOBALISATION AND INTERDEPENDENCE, SECOND COMMITTEE 27 OCTOBER 2014

27 October 2014

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Mr Chairman,


1                 I would like to align Singapore with the statements by Bolivia, on behalf of the G77 and China, and the Philippines, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on this agenda item.  I would also like to thank the Secretary-General on the various reports under this agenda item. 


Mr Chairman,


2                 We live in a rapidly changing world, and globalisation has played a significant role in bringing about this change over the past few decades.  It has broken down boundaries and facilitated the flow of goods, capital and ideas, leading to an increasingly “shrinking” and flat world.  While it brought new opportunities for many people, there were also concerns over the homogenising influence that globalisation has exerted on local cultures and traditions, which could lead to loss of individual identity, social exclusion and even conflict.


Mr Chairman,


3                 As a resource-disadvantaged small island developing State, Singapore is no stranger to the globalisation phenomenon as we look to the region and beyond for resources, investment and human capital.  Through advocating free trade practices and transparent policies, we managed to harness the positive impact of globalisation to build a strong economy.  Today, Singapore is the second most competitive city in the world according to the Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum for 2013-2014.


4                 Our society is a cosmopolitan one, built by immigrants from China, the Indian sub-continent and the Malay Peninsula who brought with them unique cultures, languages and customs.  Over the years, these influences have been knitted into the fabric of Singapore’s multi-faceted society, giving rise to a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage.  As a result of this diversity, the commitment to secular multiculturalism has become deeply entrenched in Singapore’s core national identity.


5                 But the delicate balance between cultural diversity and social cohesion has become increasingly challenging to preserve with globalisation.  With the openness of our economy, Singapore faces the need to integrate a growing population of new citizens who have come to our shores, at the same time shaping a distinctive Singapore culture that our people can identify with.


6                 Efforts are being taken to encourage Singaporeans to share experiences in order to broaden our collective memory and to build a resilient nation with a deep sense of belonging.  An example is the Singapore HeritageFest, an annual event that promotes appreciation of Singapore’s heritage through cultural performances and community activities.  We are also creating spaces for culture and the arts to flourish through the establishment of a Public Art Trust, which encourages our local talent to integrate their work into the built environment.  Through these platforms, our people play an active role in shaping the Singapore identity, which is defined not only by our history but also by the future that we envisage.


Mr Chairman,


7                 Culture represents a source of identity and creativity for the individual as well as the community, and is an essential component of development.  Recognition and respect for cultural diversity fosters mutual understanding, dialogue and peace.


8                 Singapore notes with interest the United Nations Creative Economy Report: 2013 Special Edition, which highlights the importance of culture in the context of sustainable development.  The creative economy, which includes audiovisual products, design and performing arts, is not only one of the most rapidly growing sectors, but also a highly transformative one in terms of income generation and job creation in developing countries.  It is thus in this context that the role of culture should be considered in the elaboration of the post 2015 development agenda, given it is an enabler of development.


9                 Economic benefits aside, the creative sector also generates non-monetary value in terms of affirming the distinctive identities of the societies and enhancing their local image and prestige.  In the same vein and against the backdrop of a globalised world, it is important to nurture, promote and preserve the cultures of these communities to ensure that they continue to be enablers of development.


Mr Chairman,


10               The coming year is important for the international community, in view of the discussions on the post-2015 development agenda.  It is also especially significant to Singapore as we step into our 50th year as a sovereign nation with new challenges on the horizon.  We will continue to support efforts to ensure sustained and inclusive economic growth, for a fair and more equitable globalisation for all.


11               I thank you, Mr Chairman.


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