STATEMENT BY MS CHARINE YONG, DELEGATE TO THE 80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 15

Thank you, Mr Chair

1               Singapore aligns itself with the statements by the Group of 77 and China, AOSIS, and ASEAN.

2               Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are no longer optional, but essential. They shape the development of our economies, connect our societies, and open doors to greater opportunity. Yet, if not harnessed effectively, we risk deepening digital divides both within and between countries. As a digitally connected small state, the task is clear to Singapore: to ensure that ICTs are a bridge to enhance inclusivity and resilience, rather than a barrier that leaves people behind.

3               Allow me to make three points.

4               First, we must strengthen digital inclusion, by empowering all levels of society with the knowledge and skills. In Singapore, we take a whole-of-society approach, through what we call the “Digital for Life” movement. Our programmes promote early digital literacy for children and greater digital access for the economically disadvantaged. Internationally, Singapore launched a Digital Inclusion Playbook 2.0 with UNDP, capturing tangible examples of best practices and solutions from over thirty countries for broad-based digital participation.

 5               Second, we must continue to harness ICTs for public good. We need strong digital public infrastructure, sound governance, and seamless interoperability. Digital FOSS is our digital pillar of our work with fellow small states, and we continue to support their capacity-building together with ITU and UNDP. Singapore and Rwanda also launched an AI Playbook for Small States last year and we are now developing a Singapore Digital Gateway – a repository of resources on digital policymaking and open-source tools.

 6               Third, effective digital cooperation requires a multistakeholder approach. Governments cannot do this alone. Singapore’s “whole of ecosystem” approach ensures that everyone has a stake in enabling digital trust. For example, our National AI Strategy was developed and refreshed with input from more than 300 experts. We also hosted the Singapore Conference on AI this year, to collectively articulate and set priorities for shaping reliable, secure, and trustworthy AI.

 Mr Chair,

 7               ICT is inherently transboundary in nature. As such, it is critical to continue our common efforts to reduce fragmentation and promote cooperation. Together, we can shape a digital future that empowers all — especially small and developing countries.

 8               Thank you.