Dr. Balakrishnan calls for a strengthened multilateral system and global cooperation to address pressing issues such as AI, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts during his speech at the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2023.
On 22 September 2023, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, delivered Singapore’s national statement at the General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York. Dr. Balakrishnan acknowledged the sharp rise in geopolitical tensions and emphasized the need for a resilient multilateral system that serves the collective long-term interests of the global community. He urged UN Member States to respect diverse perspectives and strengthen the multilateral framework to address common challenges.
A key highlight of his address was the urgency of global dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Balakrishnan welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s decision to convene a High-Level Advisory Body on AI and underscored the need for governance structures to manage both the risks and opportunities posed by AI technologies. He noted that AI has far-reaching implications for national security, economic stability, and human development, and emphasized that international cooperation is vital in regulating its use.
“Singapore commits to continue to support all efforts to promote international cooperation and to strengthen global rules, norms and principles in the digital domain. We also look forward to the adoption of the Global Digital Compact at the Summit of the Future in 2024,” he said.
Dr. Balakrishnan also addressed other pressing global issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and the broader impacts of climate change. He stressed that these challenges transcend national borders and require a coordinated global response. Singapore, as a small state, relies on the rules-based international order to ensure peace and development and supports UN efforts to address these global crises.
In conclusion, Dr. Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to multilateralism and its continued support for UN initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the upcoming Summit of the Future in 2024. He called on all UN Member States to prioritize pragmatic, action-oriented approaches to ensure that the multilateral system remains robust and future-ready in the face of emerging challenges.
Source: MFA
