Singapore welcomes 12 Permanent Representatives to the UN from various countries for a study visit as part of the 12th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme, aimed at fostering cooperation and sharing best practices.
From 19 to 23 February 2024, Singapore is set to host a significant study visit for 12 Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) hailing from Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Fiji, Grenada, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Micronesia, Nauru, Senegal, Suriname, and Tuvalu. This event is organized under the auspices of the 12th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme, an initiative that underscores Singapore’s commitment to supporting the developmental needs and policies of small states through enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Throughout their visit, the delegates are scheduled to engage with key Singaporean officials including Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education; Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs; and Mr Leo Yip, Head of Civil Service. In addition, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Second Minister for Education, will host a dinner for the visiting dignitaries.
The program features a series of briefings and site visits meticulously designed to exhibit Singapore’s strategies in urban planning, sustainable development, water and port management, education, cyber security, and digital transformation. These activities are intended to facilitate a rich dialogue on the development policies of small states, allowing participants to share experiences and discuss best practices.
Established by Singapore in 1992, the FOSS serves as an informal cross-regional grouping of 108 small states at the UN, with the FOSS Fellowship Programme launched in 2015. The initiative aims to bolster interaction, foster closer cooperation, and facilitate the sharing of experiences among FOSS members to enhance multilateralism and support the developmental aspirations of small states.
Source – MFA
