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New York UN

STATEMENT BY DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE MARK SEAH AT THE HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE ON “CRIME PREVENTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SPORTS, 5 JUNE 2024

5 June 2024

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Mr President,


1        Singapore welcomes the convening of this High-Level Debate, which is timely as we have just passed the halfway point in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and look ahead to the Summit of the Future. Singapore is strongly committed to the implementation of all the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goals 3, 11 and 16. We also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Kyoto Declaration on Advancing Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice, and the Rule of Law adopted in 2021.


2        Singapore strongly believes that efforts at crime prevention efforts must begin with the active engagement of youth. As UNODC representative Delphine Schantz noted, young people are highly impacted by crime and violence.

Mr President,


3        Singapore’s approach to tackling the complex issue of youth delinquency is comprehensive and coordinated. Crime prevention is not simply about deterrence, but also about creating opportunities. In this regard, we have found that sport has been effective in keeping youth from falling into crime. I would like to share two initiatives.

4        First, the Delta League, a sports-based early intervention programme jointly organised by our Singapore Police Force and the National Crime Prevention Council. It keeps youth meaningfully occupied through football and e-sports, particularly during the school holidays. The programme serves to inculcate discipline, resilience, and responsibility in our youth. Since its inception in 2011, 28,000 youths have participated in Delta League.

5        Another example is the Yellow Ribbon Project, founded in 2004, which is a movement that strives to build a more inclusive society by changing mindsets and offering ex-offenders a second chance. The Project’s annual flagship event is the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run. In 2023, this Run attracted over 6,500 local and international participants. The Run has played a critical role in fostering a more inclusive society for ex-offenders and to prevent recidivism.


Mr President,


6        Sports promote mutual respect and tolerance. They can be a useful avenue for strengthening resilience, preventing crime, and fostering inclusiveness. Singapore will continue to harness the benefits of sport to achieve a sustainable future for all.

7        I thank you.


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