S’pore underscores UN’s importance for the survival of small states in a volatile world
UNITED NATIONS: Citing a number of problems that plague the world – sluggish growth, growing xenophobic sentiments and rising nationalism and protectionism – Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan underscored the importance of the United Nations for the survival and prosperity of small states while delivering his address to the UN General Assembly.
Alluding to the small size of the city- state, which he referred to as a mere “red dot” on the map, Balakrishnan played up the relevance of the world body for small states such as his.
“We are usually at the receiving end of the decisions and actions of large powers. Fortunately, the General Assembly affirms the principle that all nations large and small have an equal stake and equal right to participate in shaping the discourse on global issues,” he noted in his address, which was delivered ( Monday, the last day of the Assembly’s annual general debate.
“In an uncertain world, small States have to work much harder just to stay afloat,” he said, using colourful metaphors to highlight the plight of his city- state by saying:
“Small boats on a rough sea will be tossed and turned much more than a tanker with heavy ballast. For our survival and prosperity, small states have to stay open and connected to the world. But our very openness makes us vulnerable to external shocks and threats.” — Bernama