STATEMENT BY MR NATHANIEL KHNG, MINISTER-COUNSELLOR (LEGAL), PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 87, ON STRENGTHENING AND PROMOTING THE INTERNATIONAL TREATY FRAMEWORK, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 16 OCTOBER 2025

Mr Chairperson, 

1         Singapore aligns itself with the statement that was delivered by Austria on behalf of the group of proponent countries for this agenda item.  At the outset, my delegation also thanks the UN Treaty Section for its continuing outstanding work in promoting good treaty practice amongst Member States and, in particular, for co-organising with the Centre for International Law of the National University of Singapore, a very successful Regional Workshop on Treaty Law and Practice for Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held in Singapore on 12-13 November 2024.  Notably, more than 50 representatives from ASEAN Member States attended the Workshop in person—a clear testament to the Workshop’s success. 

2         The subtopic of the debate under this agenda item, “The role of technology in shaping treaty-making practice”, is timely and relevant.  The global community faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges that demand cooperative and effective multilateral responses.  While the international treaty framework has long served as the cornerstone of cooperation in addressing global issues such as peace and security, climate change, human rights and international trade, in a rapidly evolving world shaped by digital transformation, it is imperative that treaty-making processes be modernised and enhanced to effectively respond to these challenges.  Leveraging technology in treaty-making is a crucial step in ensuring that it remains efficient and that treaties remain accessible to all stakeholders. 

3        Technology offers significant potential to enhance the efficiency, inclusivity and transparency of treaty-making processes.  With the advancement of e-signature and video-conferencing technologies, there is less need for delegates to make the often long and costly journeys to negotiate, sign or ratify a treaty.  Furthermore, the proliferation of online treaty databases, such as those offered by the UN Treaty Section and the ASEAN Secretariat, ensures that signed treaties remain accessible and discoverable.  The accelerating development of Artificial Intelligence also presents States and international organisations with the opportunity to strengthen their respective treaty-making capabilities, and even elevate the collective quality of treaty-making across the international community, such as through the use of AI-driven tools to facilitate the drafting of treaty text as well as legal research and analysis.  Hence, it is incumbent on all of us, the States, to explore and implement these technological innovations, ensuring that the treaty-making process remains an effective tool for cooperation, peace and sustainable development for generations to come. 

4          Singapore takes the view that the use of technological innovations, including during periods where it is challenging for parties to meet in-person, can strengthen and promote the international treaty framework, while preserving the integrity and inclusivity of multilateral diplomacy.  In this connection, my delegation thanks the Secretary-General for the excellent and comprehensive report, found in document A/80/132, on the topic at hand and for the opportunity for Singapore to contribute to its content.  The report has highlighted Singapore’s initiatives and experiences in using technology in the treaty-making process.  My delegation appreciates the fact that the report provides many helpful and practical examples of how other States and international organisations are also leveraging technology for treaty-making.  We can all learn from the examples and experiences highlighted in the report.  My delegation would like to thank Member States and international organisations that contributed to the report. 

5         Finally, my delegation would be very willing to address any question or consider any comments that other delegations may have regarding how Singapore leverages technology in treaty-making. 

6         Thank you for your attention.