STATEMENT BY MISS GLADYS TAN, DELEGATE TO THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 22, ON ERADICATION OF POVERTY AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT ISSUES, SECOND COMMITTEE, 16 OCTOBER 2019

Thank you, Mr Chairman,

1        Singapore aligns itself with the statements made by Palestine on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; Belize 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        Poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions remains the overarching goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for developing countries.  While we have made significant progress over the last four years, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit convened just three weeks ago was a sobering reminder of the monumental task that lies ahead if we are to meet our targets by 2030. Today, approximately 592 million people, or just under 8% of the world still live in extreme poverty. We should and must continue to do more in the global fight against poverty. 

Mr Chairman,

3        Singapore remains steadfast in our commitment to eradicate poverty together with the international community. In particular, this year’s theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: “Acting together to empower children, their families and communities to end poverty”, is a topic that resonates with Singapore.  Allow me to share three lessons from our experience, as we work to build an inclusive and caring society.

4        First, Singapore believes in the role of education as a social enabler. Every child in Singapore has access to quality and affordable education in order to secure a good start in life. We have improved the quality of preschool education and enhanced subsidies for low-income families. We have piloted programmes to provide multi-disciplinary assistance to low-income families to support their children’s development in a nurturing home environment. Beyond preschool, subsidies are available at all levels of schooling and are complemented by education bursaries and assistance schemes. Today, over 90% of Singaporean children aged 5 to 6 years are enrolled in preschool.  These early interventions will ensure that the next generation of Singaporeans have the skills and social mobility to move out of their difficult socio-economic conditions, and create better lives for themselves and their families.

5        Second, Singapore believes that home ownership can build inclusive communities and strong social support systems. We have kept public housing affordable for Singaporeans through extensive subsidies and concessionary loan interest rates. In particular, prioritised assistance is provided to vulnerable families with young children. These measures will help ensure that the poor are not overburdened with excessive mortgages, and promote social integration among all Singaporeans. Ultimately, home ownership cultivates a sense of rootedness and belonging in local communities, and in the nation. These networks will be important in strengthening mutual support, to and among the poor and vulnerable, to ensure that they can escape the poverty trap. Today, 87% of Singaporeans in the bottom 20% of the population - based on resident household income - own their homes.

6        Third, Singapore believes in developing strong safety nets for our low-income and vulnerable communities through close partnerships with all stakeholders. Singapore has provided support for low-income households in temporarily meeting their basic living expenses. We have also extended longer-term assistance to those permanently unable to work, including those with little or no family support. In line with our multi-stakeholder strategy, our public agencies have also strengthened their partnerships with community groups to deliver customised and coordinated assistance to individuals in need. For example, the government invests significantly in developing the organisational capabilities of the social service sector, so that our welfare organisations can better serve the underprivileged. Overall, social spending comprised half of the government’s total expenditure in 2017. However, only by harnessing the resources of all stakeholders, and adopting a whole-of-society approach, can we generate the multiplier effects to ensure that the low-income and the vulnerable do not slide into poverty.

Mr Chairman,

7        To achieve the 2030 Agenda, we need to build inclusive and caring societies everywhere, at the national, regional and local levels. A society where even the most vulnerable can be uplifted, where people of all abilities will have opportunities to achieve their fullest potential. Only by ensuring access to quality education, home ownership and strong social safety nets - in partnership with all stakeholders - can we escape the trappings of systemic poverty, and leave no one behind.

8        Thank you.

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