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Singapore is a champion of multilateralism: António Guterres, Secretary-General
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Singapore supports UN’s efforts for upcoming Summit of the Future: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence, Wong meeting WITH António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG) during his first Official Visit to Singapore from 31 August to 2 September 2024.
By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia
Singapore: Singapore is a champion of multilateralism. A bridge-builder in a time of geo-political divisions. A torchbearer for sustainable development. I thank the Government & people of Singapore for the warm welcome —and for their leadership on the global stage stated António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG) after concluding his first Official Visit to Singapore from 31 August to 2 September 2024.
António Guterres, the UNSG called on President Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his Aug 31 to Sep 2 visit.
He was also hosted to a tour of Punggol Regional Library by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health, @janilputhucheary. Minister for Digital Development and Information @joteo.ylm also hosted the UNSG to dinner.
Speaking to local media United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, “A lack of accountability for violations has led some countries to feel “a sense of impunity”, he said.
“It’s a sense that anybody can do whatever they want because nothing will happen to them. And so we see countries that systematically repudiate the decisions of the Security Council,” he said, referring to the UN body charged with maintaining international peace and security.
UN chief also urged countries to respect values of UN Charter, international law.
UN chief António Guterres appealed to countries to respect values of the UN Charter and international law. Mr Guterres, who is on a three-day visit to Singapore, also detailed the structural reforms needed within the organisation to better represent the current reality.
He said geopolitical divisions have made it “very difficult” for the council to make and implement resolutions.
Guterres warned that the world is in an age of chaos, where countries do not abide by agreed rules.
“Today, we are no longer bipolar, we are no longer unipolar, but we are not yet multipolar. We are chaotic. The truth is that we live in a situation in which, practically, there are no rules,” he said.
“Each one is doing what each one wants, without any kind of consultation, without any kind of the normal and the logical functioning of a multipolar society.”
The UN has to be the guardian of shared values, “because without values, everything is lost”, said Guterres.
“We need to go on fighting for peace in all circumstances in which we can fight for peace,” he added.
“Peace is possible when there is dialogue, when there is goodwill, when there is a combination of factors that allows it to become reality.”
When asked about the future of Asia, which is grappling with South China Sea disputes and Taiwan Strait tensions, Guterres believes peace is still possible in the region.
“I am absolutely convinced that we will not go to war,” he added. “I am convinced because the consequences would be so dramatic that I believe common sense will prevail.”
Meanwhile, Guterres also recognised UN staff for their work under difficult circumstances.
“We have UN staff in the most remote and dangerous places of the world – sometimes dying to the benefit of the people who are in trouble, who are in vulnerable conditions,” he said.
“The UN is very actively engaged in all these initiatives in order to do our best for peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights to prevail, knowing it is difficult, knowing that it’s tough. But we will never give up.”
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong held productive meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
His leadership in defending the UN Charter and upholding international law has been exemplary. He has consistently urged global leaders to address critical issues like poverty and climate change, even as we confront emerging challenges such as AI, PM stated.
I conveyed Singapore’s deep appreciation for the Secretary-General’s steadfast commitment to the rules-based multilateral system, which is vital for small states like ours, he added.
Singapore remains fully committed to supporting the UN’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism, including the upcoming Summit of the Future.
