STATEMENT BY KAREN ONG DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE ON THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS (IGN) ON “THE QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN THEMEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO

Co-Chairs,

          I want to thank you for your open and constructive leadership and for offering avenues and bridging proposals which have helped to sharpen our discussions. My delegation also thanks the African Group for introducing its model last month. The presentation of the various models of reform has been useful in providing greater clarity on the perspectives of various Groups. This will allow us to identify where convergences may be possible.

2        Singapore has consistently supported the implementation of the Pact for the Future and our commitments on Security Council that are laid out in the Pact. In our last statement at these negotiations, we spoke about the impact of the veto on decision making in the Council and our support for the voluntary restraint of its use. I shall not repeat these points, other than to reiterate that my delegation remains unpersuaded that increasing the number of veto-wielding members will make the Council more effective or responsive. Let me make two key points on the other main clusters.

3        First, on categories of membership and representation. Any reformed Council must reflect the diversity of the UN membership and the geopolitical realities of our time to be credible. Singapore has therefore been consistent in our support for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. But any expansion must not become purely an exercise to accommodate the ambitions of the big powers while neglecting the legitimate needs and aspirations of small states. More than two thirds of the UN membership is made up of small states, many of whom have never served on the Council. No model of reform would be credible if their perspectives and interests are not addressed, especially those from under-represented regions or regional groups that do not practise sub-regional rotation. Singapore therefore supports the idea of at least one cross-regional rotating seat for Small Island Developing States as a positive step forward and we welcome other ideas. We similarly support the need to address the historical underrepresentation of Africa and other un- or under-represented regions, including the Asia-Pacific group.

4        Second, on size and working methods. Reform of the Council must not compromise its ability to respond decisively and effectively. This is why Singapore is in favour of an enlarged Council of a reasonable size, with membership in its mid-20s, which balances representation with effective decision making. Any expansion must be accompanied by strengthening and reviewing the working methods of the Council to ensure greater efficiency and accountability. We support the full participation of non-permanent members in the Council’s work, including as penholders, and to hold the Presidency at least once during their tenure. These have been widely supported by many delegations in this room today. A reformed Council must be more accountable to the wider UN membership. This is why we previously put forward a Declaration of Responsibilities for adoption by the General Assembly. This should be reflected in any eventual reform package. 

Co-Chairs,

5        We see movement in our discussions. To make even more meaningful progress, we must exercise flexibility and work towards identifying convergences that can form the basis of a consolidated model of reform that can command broad support, and move this process from theoretical discussions to concrete outcomes. We look forward to the next steps. Thank you.