STATEMENT BY MR CHAN GUOLONG, DELEGATE TO THE 73RD SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 20: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 15 OCTOBER 2018

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

1            Singapore aligns itself with the statements made by Egypt on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; the Maldives on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS); and Thailand on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

Mr Chairman,

2            It has been three years since the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change were adopted in 2015.  While some progress has been made, our global community is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Their effective implementation remains a challenge worldwide. As we endeavor to create a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet, there are many lessons we can learn from each other in addressing our national challenges. Allow me to share some of Singapore’s experiences in our sustainable development journey.

3            First, we need to adapt and think creatively. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges faced by all countries.  For example, Singapore has been ranked as the world’s most water-stressed country.  Since independence, Singapore has relied heavily on imported water and local reservoirs to meet our water needs.  With limited land area to create new reservoirs and water catchment areas, Singapore has had to look for alternative sources of water to cater to a growing population and increased water demands. Through decades of research and development, Singapore has developed an innovative and sustainable solution of recycling used water to produce ultra-clean, high-grade reclaimed water, which we have named NEWater.  Today, Singapore has five NEWater plants that supply up to 40% of our current water needs.  By reusing water endlessly, NEWater enhances Singapore’s water sustainability and resilience to shifting climatic patterns.   

4            Second, we need to engage the community through ground-up efforts. Sustainable development is a whole-of-society endeavour. Since 2015, the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint has mapped out strategies for our sustainable development guided by a common vision of a “Liveable and Endearing Home, a Vibrant and Sustainable City and an Active and Gracious Community”.  To achieve the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, individuals, communities, companies and government agencies are coming together to change the way people live, work and play. One of the key thrusts is the vision of a “car-lite” Singapore, where people choose public transport, cycling or walking over driving for their daily commute.  To realise this vision, Singapore is actively working to increase the density of our subway network. By 2030, about eight in 10 households will be within a 10-minute walk of a subway station. Singapore will also expand the island-wide cycling network, with a target of more than 700 kilometres of cycling paths by 2030. The Singapore Government has also introduced car-free days and periodic road closures, to transform streets into meaningful public spaces for community activities and social bonding.

5            Third, we must remain committed to achieving sustainable development through international partnerships. Singapore recently presented our Voluntary National Review at the 2018 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Singapore has and will continue to provide technical assistance to fellow developing countries through the Sustainable Development Programme - a special package under the Singapore Cooperation Programme - to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  Through capacity building and knowledge transfer, Singapore hopes to share its experiences in the areas of leadership and governance, sustainable cities and water and sanitation solutions.

Mr Chairman,

6            2030 is fast approaching. While the challenges of implementation may appear daunting, they are not insurmountable. We can overcome these challenges with creativity, community action and international commitment. We must work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build a better future for all.    

7            I thank you.

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