STATEMENT BY MR SAW YONG KAI, FIRST SECRETARY (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT) TO THE 76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 20 ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 11 OCTOBER 2021

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Singapore aligns itself with the statements made by Guinea on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; the Philippines, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); and Antigua & Barbuda on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Madam Chair,

2 COVID-19 continues to exact a painful toll on lives, livelihoods, and economies. However, even while managing its fallout, we must also continue our efforts to pursue sustainable development. By placing sustainable development at the heart of our recovery, we will be able to create a more resilient and inclusive economy for the future. Let me share three elements that are key to achieving a sustainable global recovery.

Leaner, Stronger, Kinder

3 First, we must recover leaner. This means doing more with less and using resources more efficiently. In a leaner “new normal”, we must find synergies at the systems-level, to maximise resource use, minimise waste, and create economic opportunities. We must shift from the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model of consumption, to more sustainable and circular economic models. In Singapore, we have harnessed technology to recycle used water. We are also studying how to put waste to good use, by using incineration ash as construction material. At the industrial level, we are constructing an integrated waste and water treatment facility, where used water sludge and food waste will be treated together and be used to produce biogas for energy generation.

4 Second, we must recover stronger. Strength is about building resilience against crises and shocks, including climate change, resource scarcity, supply chain disruptions, and public health threats. As a small island nation with no natural resources, Singapore has leveraged innovation and diversification to enhance our food, water, and energy security; taken significant steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change; and strengthened our pandemic preparedness. The launch of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 earlier this year amidst the pandemic was testament to our commitment to strengthening resilience. The Green Plan outlines a whole-of-nation approach to sustainable development and charts ambitious concrete targets over the next 10 years. Among others, we will plant one million more trees, quadruple solar energy deployments, and produce 30% of our nutritional needs locally, from less than 10% today. As part of global efforts to build collective resilience, Singapore has been co-facilitating the Ministerial negotiations on Article 6 on carbon markets, and we look forward to a positive outcome at COP-26. We are also committed to working with other countries in new areas such as green finance and clean energy solutions, in order to build a network of resilience against future shocks.

5 Third, we must recover kinder. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities within and between nations. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Report on “Our Common Agenda” is a timely reminder of the need for a credible solidarity package to support developing countries. Singapore will continue to support fellow developing countries through capacity building. We have extended our Climate Action Package until 2023, with courses in areas such as climate science, climate mitigation and adaptation, green finance, and disaster risk reduction. To celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the Forum of Small States or FOSS, we have launched a “FOSS for Good” programme, which will focus on priority areas such as COVID-19 recovery, climate change and sustainable development, customised to the unique challenges faced by small countries.

Madam Chair,

6 By recovering leaner, stronger, and kinder, we can foster economic growth in a resource-efficient, climate-resilient, and inclusive manner. Singapore is committed to work constructively with all delegations to achieve consensual outcomes and a sustainable recovery in line with the 2030 Agenda.

7 Thank you.

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