Singapore will host a study visit by the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) of eleven countries from 24 to 28 July 2023 under the 11th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme. The Permanent Representatives, who are based in Geneva and Vienna, are from Brunei, Cambodia, The Gambia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritius, Qatar, Slovenia and Vanuatu.
During the visit, the Permanent Representatives will call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Home Affairs and Law Mr K. Shanmugam, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Education Mr Chan Chun Sing, and Head of Civil Service Mr Leo Yip. They will be hosted to dinner by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Second Minister for Education Dr Mohamed Maliki Osman. They will also participate in briefings and site visits that will showcase Singapore’s approach to a broad range of issues, such as sustainable development, water management, port management, civil aviation, education, public health, law and order, social harmony and digital transformation. These engagements aim to provide participants with the opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices on development policies, including the importance of taking into account domestic contexts.
Founded by Singapore in 1992, the FOSS is an informal cross-regional grouping at the UN with 108 members that brings together small states to discuss issues of mutual interest. The FOSS Fellowship Programme, launched in 2015, aims to enhance interaction, foster closer cooperation and facilitate the sharing of experiences among FOSS members in order to strengthen multilateralism and support the developmental aspirations of small states.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 JULY 2023