STATEMENT BY MR NATHANIEL KHNG, MINISTER-COUNSELLOR (LEGAL), PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 3, ON GENERAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS, TWENTY-FIFTH MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OPEN-ENDED INFORMAL CONSULTATIVE PROCESS ON OCEANS AND THE LAW OF THE SEA, NEW YORK, 16 JUNE 2025

Thank you very much Madam Co-Chair,

My delegation thanks the Co-Chairs for your leadership.  Please be assured of our full support.  Singapore aligns itself with the statement that was delivered by the Ambassador from Palau on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States.

Co-Chairs, distinguished delegates,

2 The discussions that will be taking place this week on “Capacity-Building and the Transfer of Marine Technology: New Developments, Approaches and Challenges” are especially timely as the international community confronts escalating ocean challenges.  Singapore had the honour of working with fellow developing countries to propose that this be the topic for the present meeting.

3 Singapore, as a low-lying coastal and small island developing State, is profoundly aware of the vulnerabilities inherent in the maritime environment—from sea-level rise and coastal erosion to the broader impacts of climate change.  Our experience reinforces the urgent need for innovative solutions that integrate technological advancement with robust, internationally agreed frameworks.

4 The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) remains the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector.  In this regard, the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) plays an essential role.  Adopted by consensus following negotiations presided over by Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee, the BBNJ Agreement establishes vital mechanisms for capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.  It also reinforces the international community’s collective ambition to conserve marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

5 As emphasised in the Secretary-General’s report, capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology are essential to realising the full benefits of UNCLOS.  Such efforts must prioritise the needs of developing countries, particularly the small island developing States and the least developed countries, and empower them to implement UNCLOS effectively and achieve sustainable ocean development, thereby safeguarding the long-term vitality of our marine ecosystems. This includes supporting long-term resilience through data sharing, co-development of technology and enhanced regional cooperation. 

6 Singapore’s voluntary commitments reflect our inclusive approach to capacity-building and technology transfer.  Under the “SIDS of Change” package launched at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024, our Blue Carbon Science, Policy and Finance programme is designed to enhance its participants’ understanding of the science, policy and financing tools necessary to conserve and restore coastal blue carbon ecosystems. 

7 Singapore has also been sharing our experiences actively through a series of capacity-building courses under the Sustainability Action Package of the Singapore Cooperation Programme.  To date, we have conducted over 60 courses for more than 1600 officials from developing countries, covering critical issues such as sea-level rise and the law of the sea.  Next year, we plan to expand our efforts by introducing more courses on maritime safety and port management, international law and the restoration of blue carbon ecosystems.  Through these efforts, we hope to provide practical skills that empower developing countries to enhance their maritime governance and operational resilience.

8 In closing, Singapore reaffirms our commitment to technology-enabled ocean solutions anchored in UNCLOS.  We stand ready to work with all States to ensure that marine capacity-building and technology transfer lead to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient ocean future. 

9 Thank you.

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