30-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a powerful address to the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has called for a renewed commitment to international law and a transformation of global governance institutions. Speaking from the podium in New York on 28 September, Dr Balakrishnan emphasised the critical importance of preventing recent violations of international norms from becoming the new status quo.
The minister’s impassioned plea comes against the backdrop of ongoing global conflicts, with particular reference to the war in Ukraine. “The invasion of one country by another, under the pretext of historical errors and grievances, cannot be justified by any means,” Dr Balakrishnan stated, underlining the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
Drawing attention to Article 2 of the Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against territorial integrity, Dr Balakrishnan reminded the assembly of the long-standing international consensus against territorial acquisition through warfare. He cited UN Security Council Resolution 242 from 1967, which affirmed the “inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war” in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The Singaporean diplomat warned of the dangers of allowing a “might is right” mentality to prevail, emphasising the particular vulnerability of small states in such a scenario. “A descent into chaos and conflict is a clear and present threat,” he cautioned, calling for collective action to preserve peace and save lives.
Dr Balakrishnan advocated for a reinvigoration of multilateralism and a strengthening of the UN’s role as a forum for dialogue and partnership. He stressed the importance of small states consistently supporting compliance with international law and the UN Charter, describing this as an “existential necessity” rather than a mere option for nations like Singapore.
The minister also addressed the need for reform within global governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council. He argued for changes that would make the Council more reflective of contemporary realities, transparent, and accountable. Dr Balakrishnan highlighted the special responsibility of the five permanent members – the US, UK, France, Russia, and China – to demonstrate leadership in maintaining international peace and security.
Expressing concern over the current lack of trust among major powers and the resulting leadership deficit, Dr Balakrishnan pointed to the difficulties in finding peaceful solutions to conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. He welcomed initiatives aimed at increasing Security Council accountability, such as the veto initiative, but stressed that more work is needed.
The Singaporean minister also voiced support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ New Agenda for Peace, pledging Singapore’s readiness to contribute to preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict prevention efforts. He reiterated Singapore’s backing for the International Court of Justice and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), emphasising the importance of strengthening international legal frameworks.
Dr Balakrishnan concluded by announcing the renewal of Singapore’s capacity-building programme for the Forum of Small States (FOSS), introducing a digital-themed package to support the Global Digital Compact. This initiative underscores Singapore’s commitment to sharing its development experience and supporting fellow small states in navigating the challenges of the digital age.
