As part of our long-standing engagement of fellow-small states at the United Nations, Singapore is hosting a study visit by 11 Ambassadors accredited to the United Nations Office at Geneva or based in London from 1 to 5 April 2019 under the 8th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme. Under the Programme, participants will exchange views and experiences with Singapore’s leaders and policy makers on international developments, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The participants were hosted to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan earlier today. They discussed global developments and the importance of multilateralism to small states.
During this visit, the participants will also meet Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Mr Khaw Boon Wan, as well as Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong. Earlier in the week, the participants met with Head of Civil Service Mr Leo Yip. They were briefed by government agencies on Singapore’s approach towards sustainable development, urban development, maritime affairs, civil aviation, building social harmony, overcoming inequality, education, and governance. The participants also visited the Marina Barrage, Harmony Centre and ITE Central.
The FOSS was founded by Singapore in 1992 as an informal forum at the United Nations for small states to exchange views and share best practices on issues of common interest. 107 countries are now members of FOSS. The FOSS Fellowship Programme was established in 2015 to foster closer cooperation among FOSS members, in particular with those from outside our region, to strengthen rules-based multilateralism.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
4 APRIL 2019
Photo caption: Lunch hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan for delegates of the 8th FOSS (Forum Of Small States) Fellowship Programme, 4 April 2019