STATEMENT BY MR JOSEPH TEO, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM AND THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 2016 SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, NEW YORK, 20 JULY 2016

Mr President,

          Singapore is pleased to align itself with the statements made by Thailand, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; and the Maldives, on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

2        The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) by world leaders was a proud and historic moment for the United Nations (UN).  However, as many have said, the real work has just begun.  The true test of our commitment will be in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  In this regard, measuring our progress is key. 

3        Singapore is therefore pleased by the concrete steps taken to operationalise the framework for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the global level.  This includes the global indicator framework for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets, which forms a practical starting point for measuring progress; the issuance of the Secretary-General’s report on progress towards the SDGs and of the Global Sustainable Development Report for 2016; and of course, the convening of the 2016 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) which includes, for the very first time, Voluntary National Reviews.  While each country must implement the 2030 Agenda and track our progress in the way that best suits our respective national circumstances, it is important to come together to take stock of our progress at the global level, share best practices, and find ways to do sustainable development better at home. 

Mr President,

4        Intrinsic to the Singapore development story is sustainable development.   As a city-state with a land area of 719 square kilometres and few natural resources, Singapore recognised early on that a competitive economy, a high-quality of life, and a sustainable environment are complementary parts of a virtuous cycle of development.  In celebrating 50 years of independence last year, Singapore renewed our commitment to sustainable development through the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015.

5        The Blueprint outlines our national vision and plans for a more liveable and sustainable Singapore, to support the diverse needs and growing aspirations of Singaporeans.  The first such Blueprint was launched in 2009, and Singapore is on track to meet or exceed the 2020 and 2030 targets set out in it.  The 2015 Blueprint charts our next steps and aspires to inter alia build “eco-smart” endearing towns, reduce reliance on private car transportation, achieve a zero-waste society, develop a leading green economy, and foster an active and gracious community.  It recognises that if everyone plays a part, Singapore can be a liveable and sustainable city that provides a good quality of life for all, today and in the future.  The Singapore Sustainable Blueprint 2015 thus speaks directly to the 2030 Agenda and its aim of leaving no one behind.

Mr President,

6        Small states, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are particularly vulnerable and feel the weight of global challenges most intensely.  Singapore is heartened that the particular challenges and needs of SIDS, which have been reflected in the 2030 Agenda, have received dedicated time and attention at this year’s HLPF.  With small states forming more than half of the UN membership, our views and concerns should continue to be reflected in the implementation and the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.

Mr President,

7        Achieving the 2030 Agenda will depend on a revitalised global partnership that facilitates an intensive global engagement in support of implementation of all the goals and targets, bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector, the UN system and other actors and mobilising all available resources.  At the UN Sustainable Development Summit last year, Singapore announced the launch of a new Sustainable Development Programme to support the 2030 Agenda.  This Programme sees intensified cooperation in areas such as good governance and public sector excellence, sustainable cities and urban planning, and water and sanitation.

Mr President,

8       We have to work together and support each other to build the future we want.  Singapore is committed to playing our part to support our fellow developing countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda. 

9        I thank you.

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