Plenary

Mme. President,

1.         My delegation is grateful for the opportunity to speak on issues of a general nature, relevant to States Parties, which have arisen with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Convention).  The Convention is the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. There are therefore a number of issues of a general nature that we, as States Parties, need to pay particular attention to at this time. 

Marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction

2.         One important issue is the development of an international legally binding instrument under the Convention on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

3.         The BBNJ preparatory committee met for the first time earlier this year. It  commenced its work towards making substantive recommendations to the General Assembly on the elements of a draft text of a new legally binding instrument under the Convention.  My delegation was encouraged by the constructive exchange of views at the first session.  We appreciate the Preparatory Committee Chairperson’s efforts in steering the discussions, as well as in preparing his overview of the session.  As we move forward in the BBNJ discussions, and further “unpack” the package of issues and other related matters to be considered by the preparatory committee, my delegation looks forward to developing a fuller and shared understanding with other delegations. 

4.         Singapore has consistently championed respect for the closely interrelated nature of the provisions of the Convention and the delicate balance of interests enshrined therein.  A number of questions were raised at the first session of the BBNJ preparatory committee which we will all have to ponder over.  As we do so, my delegation welcomes the framework for thinking about the issues that the Convention provides. 

Sustainable Development Goal 14

5.         Another issue relates to the 2030 Agenda, in particular, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14).  Singapore has been a longstanding advocate for a standalone goal on oceans.  SDG 14 urges us to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.  Now, it is time for us to turn our minds to the implementation of this goal as well as other related goals.  As the Secretary-General’s report recognises, the oceans and seas have an essential role to play in sustainable development. 

6.         Last week, during the 17^th meeting of the Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP) we focused on one aspect of SDG 14: marine debris.  In respect of marine debris, plastics and microplastics, my delegation recognises the new and distinct science and challenge posed by microplastics, and the need to continually update our scientific and technical understandings so that our tools to address marine pollution are not obsolete.  We also believe in prioritising prevention, which aligns with the Convention, such as in Article 194.  Additionally, we have consistently underscored the importance of an integrated approach in our consideration of ways to address the challenges of marine debris, plastics and microplastics.

7.         In fact, an integrated approach is important to all relevant aspects of oceans and the sea.  As we consider the implementation of SDG 14 and other related goals, we must not abandon our commitment to a coherent approach that builds on existing platforms, avoids duplication and benefits from the active support of all relevant parts of the UN system and other multilateral institutions.  The Secretary-General has recognised this in his report, and my delegation endorses this sentiment.  Equally, my delegation is supportive of efforts that have been initiated to promote the political will and momentum for the effective implementation of SDG 14, such as the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG 14 that will be held in Fiji next year.

Recent developments in Singapore

Mme. President,

8.         The third aspect that my delegation wishes to highlight concerns two recent developments in Singapore in respect of institutions relevant to oceans and the law of the sea.

9.         First, in August last year, a Joint Declaration was signed between the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (the Tribunal) and our Ministry of Law.  The Joint Declaration concerns the provision of appropriate facilities to the Tribunal whenever it is desirable for a special chamber of the Tribunal or the Tribunal to sit or exercise its functions in Singapore. Singapore looks forward to continuing our close working relationship with the Tribunal in this regard. 

10.       Second, this year, we look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the establishment of its Information Sharing Centre (ISC) in Singapore.  ReCAAP is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.  Over the course of the last decade, the ReCAAP ISC has developed into a key mechanism by which information is shared, so that littoral and user States alike can cooperate effectively in the fight against piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. Singapore is committed to working with other States to ensuring that the ReCAAP ISC continues to be effective in its important role in keeping shipping in Asia safe and secure.

Concluding remarks

Mme. President,

11.        My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his reports, which seek to provide an overview of the developments and issues relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea.  Regarding the work of the bodies established under the Convention, my delegation had earlier delivered a statement on the Information reported by the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority.  We would like to take this opportunity to also express our appreciation for the important work of the Tribunal and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.  We hope that consensus will be reached this week over the budget for the Tribunal.  We welcome Azerbaijan’s accession last week to the Convention, and encourage other member States which have not yet acceded to the Convention to do so.

12.       Thank you.

.  .  .  .  .