STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY MR JOSEPH TEO, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 21 ON "GLOBALISATION AND INTERDEPENDENCE", SECOND COMMITTEE, 13 OCTOBER 2017

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

1               I am honoured to speak on behalf of the 10 Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):  Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. 

2               ASEAN aligns itself with the statement made by Ecuador on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.  We thank the Secretary-General for his reports under this agenda item.

Mr Chairman,

3               ASEAN believes that the international community must work together to harness the positive forces of globalisation for the benefit of all, in particular developing countries, if we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Mr Chairman,

4               We meet at a time when globalisation and interdependence are under threat.  Isolationist and protectionist voices are gaining force around the world.  However, history has shown that no country has lifted itself out of poverty without participating in the global economy since the end of the Second World War.  Complex global challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity, pandemics and climate change do not recognise borders and indeed, require global solutions.  ASEAN therefore believes that, managed wisely, globalisation can be a force for good and can help countries achieve a just and inclusive global economy; and a more peaceful and secure world.  For this, multilateralism is key.

5               This is why ASEAN is forging ahead with regional integration and building greater connectivity with the world.  We know that in doing so, we will increasingly face the corresponding challenges of transnational crime and terrorism, among others.  There may be pressure to give in to domestic populist calls for isolationism and protectionism.  However, only by working together can these challenges be overcome.  ASEAN’s commitment to its Community-building process, in the economic, political-security, and socio-cultural areas, is testament to our recognition of this fact.  ASEAN has also continued to promote this narrative of interdependence with our external partners.  We have sought to draw them in through cooperation on initiatives such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.

Mr Chairman,

6               Even the most concerted efforts at the regional level will fail if the United Nations (UN) does not continue to play a central role in finding common solutions to global challenges both old and new.  ASEAN believes that the UN must remain the cornerstone of global governance, in recognition of its universality and unquestioned legitimacy. 

7               The UN, together with international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, must help ensure that the global economic framework remains conducive for sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, especially amidst the on-going economic uncertainties.  In close consultation with developing countries, they can and should help to put in place coordinated programmes to build capacity and foster an enabling environment at all levels for developing countries to plug into the global economy.  Only then can developing countries reap the benefits of globalisation and the knowledge revolution brought about by technology.

Mr Chairman,

8               Regional integration organisations such as ASEAN are well-placed to partner the UN in adapting common global solutions to different regions and contexts for their effective implementation. 

9               In this regard, ASEAN values the UN’s continued partnership to secure the conditions for peaceful and sustainable economic development.  The wide-ranging ASEAN-UN Plan of Action, adopted last year, puts us in good stead for the next five years to grow this important partnership.  The annual ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue (AURED) also provides a platform for exchanging insights and best practices on a regular basis.

10               ASEAN also welcomes the UN’s support for our efforts to narrow the development gap among ASEAN Member States through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III.  Correspondingly, ASEAN is also employing technology and “smart solutions” to address economic, social and development issues, and to mitigate the side effects of rapid urbanisation.

Mr Chairman,

11               ASEAN believes that multilateralism is key to harnessing globalisation as a positive force for sustainable development.  We are committed to intensifying cooperation within our region and between our region and the international community to achieve the 2030 Agenda.  In this regard, ASEAN looks forward to continuing to work with the UN to align the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 with the 2030 Agenda, in order to raise the standards of living of our peoples and leave no one behind.

12               I thank you, Mr Chairman.

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