STATEMENT BY MR. WINSTON CHEE, DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE 81ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECOND COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEM 14, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND AGENDA 19,

Thank you, Chair.

1         Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77&China, and ASEAN. Digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, are transforming our economies and societies at unprecedented speed. It can help developing countries deliver essential services at scale; and small states overcome traditional barriers to scale and access.  Allow me to highlight three points.

2         First, Capabilities. We must take a lifelong approach to upskill and reskill our people, businesses and government to make the most of technology. In Singapore, we do this through initiatives such as our TechSkills Accelerator and the National AI Impact Programme, which include structured internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job learning opportunities.

3         Second, Confidence. For people to embrace technology, they must have the confidence both in the technologies and in their own ability to navigate the digital world safely. Singapore takes a risk-based and practical approach to AI governance, developing tools and frameworks, such as AI Verify and Project Moonshot, to help organisations deploy AI responsibly, as well as to strengthen digital literacy and wellness.

4         Third, Cooperation. Technology transcends borders, and no country can address its challenges alone. Singapore works with many partners around the world on common challenges. Through the Digital Forum of Small States, we support digital capacity-building for fellow small states with partners such as UNDP and ITU. Through the Singapore Digital Gateway, we have made our digital strategies, governance frameworks, and open-source tools more accessible. And under Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship next year, we will support ASEAN’s shared ambition to harness AI as a driver of inclusive growth and social progress. 

Chair,

5         As technology becomes increasingly complex and sophisticated, no country can navigate these challenges alone.  Singapore will continue to work with our partners to build a common digital future that is inclusive, trusted, resilient, and interoperable which everyone can participate in and benefit from.

6            Thank you.