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New York UN

STATEMENT BY DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE MS KAREN ONG AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON “PRACTICING MULTILATERALISM, REFORMING AND IMPROVING GLOBAL GOVERNANCE” 18 FEBRUARY 2025

18 February 2025

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Mr President,

I wish to commend you for convening this important and timely debate on how we can strengthen multilateralism and the UN system. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks.

2 For the last 80 years, the United Nations has been the cornerstone of our global multilateral architecture, charged with maintaining international peace and security and fostering cooperation to identify collective solutions to global problems. Member States have reaped the dividends of peace, security and development that the UN has helped to deliver. But the multilateral system today is under deep and sustained stress in the face of growing geopolitical contestation and conflict. In this context, doubling down to strengthen the role of the UN is the only way forward, if we are to be able to find solutions to the global challenges we face today. How do we do so? Allow me to make a few points.

3 First, we must go ‘back to the basics’ and return to the foundational purposes and principles of the UN. For small states like Singapore, a multilateral, rules-based system premised on the UN Charter and international law is the very foundation for our survival. The role played by the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security on behalf of the Member States of the UN is therefore critical. The Pact for the Future provides a clear pathway for progress to make the UN and the Council more relevant, accountable and fit for purpose. We must therefore intensify our efforts to implement and operationalise key elements of Chapter II of the Pact. This includes renewing our commitment to disarmament, combating transnational organised crime and terrorism, and maritime safety and security. It also includes reflecting on the UN’s peace operations to determine how the missions’ mandates need to evolve in order for such operations to be effective and well-regarded on the ground.

4 Second, we cannot discuss strengthening the UN’s role and relevance without addressing the urgent need for Security Council reform. In particular, the overuse, misuse or threat of use of the veto has seriously impeded the effective functioning of the Council, leading to paralysis and gridlock. We call on the permanent members to demonstrate leadership by upholding the Charter and respecting international law by adhering to Article 27(3) of the UN Charter, and refraining from voting on a dispute to which they are party. We also strongly support initiatives that promote restraint and accountability in the exercise of the veto.

5 Third, a stronger and more responsive Security Council must be able to anticipate, rather than react belatedly, after a crisis has erupted or escalated. Conflict prevention must play a far bigger role in the Council’s toolkit. We call on the Council to work more closely and effectively with the other main organs of the UN, such as the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the Peacebuilding Commission, which could facilitate early warning and response. The UN Charter also contains a powerful preventive diplomacy tool in Article 99, which highlights the important role of the Secretary General to bring any matter he deems may threaten international peace and security to the Council.[1] When invoked, the Council must then act quickly and in a more considered fashion, particularly in cases of humanitarian catastrophes and mass atrocities.

6 Finally, Singapore firmly believes in strengthening the leadership role of its elected members, who make up the bulk of the Council. The E10 have proven themselves to be effective bridge-builders when the permanent members are divided. They should be encouraged to play a more active role. This includes allowing elected members to lead on key Council files, particularly those concerning their respective regions, where their knowledge would better allow the Council to anticipate and address potential crises before they develop into full-blown conflicts. Equally importantly, we need to address the new and emerging challenges and their potential to impact international peace and security. These include AI, climate change, and maritime security.

Mr President,

7 As we approach the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the Council and the UN itself must adapt to reflect the realities of the contemporary world or risk irrelevance. A stronger, future-ready UN begins with an effective and responsive Security Council and an active General Assembly at its core. I hope that today’s debate will spur concrete action by Member States to secure our collective future of peace and security, on the basis of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. This will underwrite the role and effectiveness of the UN for the next 80 years.

8 I thank you.


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[1] UN Charter Article 99: The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.

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