SINGAPORE’S EXPLANATION OF POSITION BY MS DHIVYA RAJANDRAN, FIRST SECRETARY (POLITICAL AFFAIRS), ON THE RESOLUTION ON “METHODS OF WORK OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE” AT THE 79TH UNGA, THIRD COMMITTEE, UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK 21 NOVEMBER 2024

Mr Chair, 

1 The work of the Third Committee has grown exponentially over the last few years. This year, a record number of 77 special procedure mandate-holders and experts delivered presentations to the Third Committee and close to 50 resolutions were adopted. On the other hand, there has been little change to the programme of work, and the number of formal meetings scheduled. Substantive discussions on the working methods of the Third Committee have also not been held for many years.

2 My delegation therefore welcomes this timely resolution on the “Third Committee Working Methods” tabled by the African Group which has generated new ideas on how we could improve the Third Committee’s work. Singapore strongly supports the resolution based on three key principles. 

3 First, Singapore has constantly advocated for and strongly supported revitalizing the General Assembly, including the Third Committee. A stronger, more effective UN begins with a stronger and more effective General Assembly and its Main Committees. It is therefore important that we undertake these reviews regularly and systematically, which this resolution seeks to do.

4 Second, Singapore strongly supports initiatives to improve UN work processes and to enhance the transparency and inclusiveness of the work of the Main Committees, which are two key guiding principles for our delegation. In this regard, we have sought to strengthen transparency, accountability and inclusiveness through the decision proposed by Singapore and South Africa titled “Information on requests for votes” which was adopted in the First Committee last month. We therefore welcome the proposal in OP3 of this resolution to hold inclusive and transparent consultations with Member States on a roadmap aimed at progressively reducing the number of interactive dialogues. 

5 Third, while the Bureau of the Third Committee is composed of regional representatives, not all regional groups have the tradition of coordinating on substantive issues. In this context, Singapore is of the view that the review of the Third Committee’s working methods should be conducted in an open-ended, inclusive, and transparent manner with the participation of all interested Member States.  

6 In line with these principles, my delegation strongly supports the adoption of this resolution, as originally submitted by the African Group, which represents an important step forward in the right direction and opens the door for critical discussions. My delegation believes that the draft resolution as it stands is sufficiently broad. Singapore supports all efforts to improve the methods of work of the Third Committee and remains committed to working with all Member States to take concrete steps to enhance the quality and impact of our work.

7 I thank you.

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