STATEMENT BY MISS CANDICE NG, DELEGATE TO THE 73RD SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 24, ON ERADICATION OF POVERTY AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT ISSUES, SECOND COMMITTEE, 17 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 Cambodia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Mr Chairman,

2                  As we begin the 3^rd United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty this year, it is timely to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight against poverty. According to the World Bank, more than a billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty over the last 25 years. The global poverty rate is now lower than ever in recorded history. These results are a testament to our collective efforts and achievements as an international community. However, despite tremendous progress, poverty rates remain stubbornly high in some parts of the world. As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reminds us, eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest single global challenge today. While much has been accomplished, we cannot and should not rest on our laurels if we strive to eradicate poverty in all its forms.

Mr Chairman,

3                  Singapore is committed to supporting the efforts of the United Nations and the international community in poverty eradication. Singapore believes in a holistic three-pronged approach to ensure that no one is left behind on the road to sustainable development. Allow me to elaborate on some of the schemes and policies that the Singapore Government has implemented to eradicate poverty in our island state. This can be broadly classified into three categories – education, healthcare and housing.

4                  First, on education, Singapore believes that every child should be given the same opportunity to develop to their full potential and pursue his or her aspirations, regardless of the child’s socio-economic background. In recent years, the Singapore Government has focused efforts to develop the early childhood sector. The objective is to give all children access to good quality pre-school education, so that they can be equipped with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and have access to opportunities to better themselves later on in life. Education has also been made affordable for all Singaporeans, with free and compulsory education in primary schools and heavily subsidised education at the secondary and pre-university levels.

5                  Second, Singapore believes in ensuring quality and affordable basic healthcare for all Singaporeans. This is achieved through a combination of government subsidies and the philosophy that Singaporeans have to take personal responsibility for their own health. While all Singaporeans have basic compulsory medical insurance coverage, they are also required to contribute to MediSave, a national savings scheme that helps individuals set aside part of their income to help pay for their healthcare needs. In addition, MediFund, an endowment fund, was established to assist those without the financial means to pay for their healthcare expenses. These safety nets have been put in place to ensure that no Singaporean is left behind in their pursuit of a better life. 

6                  Third, home ownership is a long-term and sustainable solution to prevent low-income Singaporeans from slipping into poverty. Home ownership provides a sense of security and the opportunity to own a tangible stake in the country. Through targeted public housing schemes and policies, more than 8 in 10 Singaporeans own a public housing apartment today. This is mainly due to a responsible and sustainable financing plan instituted by the Singapore Government to allow residents to finance their housing needs through long-term savings plans. This in turn frees up more disposable income for other basic needs.

Mr Chairman,

7                 National initiatives to eradicate poverty may be context-specific but they can benefit from partnerships with international and regional stakeholders. Countries can share best practices and lessons learnt, provide capacity building, and work with UN agencies and other international financial institutions on projects to grow local economies, upgrade workers and provide adequate education, health care and housing support. As we work towards ending poverty worldwide by 2030, Singapore is committed to working with the international community to tackle our greatest single global challenge today.

8        I thank you.

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