02 May 2024
Singapore aligns itself with the statement delivered by Brunei Darussalam on behalf of ASEAN. We also thank Bangladesh for tabling this important resolution, which we are happy to co-sponsor. Let me add the following points in our national capacity.
Madam President,
2 Today, we face numerous challenges. Geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic uncertainty, food and energy insecurity, and climate change are just some of these. Fault lines have widened, aggravated by disinformation and misinformation in the digital age. A culture of peace requires developing a better understanding of the multiple and interlinked drivers that sustain conflict. Addressing these challenges to achieve a global culture of peace calls for collective action from all of us.
3 Achieving social cohesion and unity does not happen by chance. It is a result of consistent, deliberate efforts. To this end, allow me to share Singapore’s experiences in strengthening the bonds within our multi-racial and multi-religious society.
4 A 2023 PEW Research Centre analysis noted that Singaporeans demonstrate high levels of inter-religious tolerance and acceptance on multiple measures. A similar study in 2021 reported that Singapore, despite its diverse makeup, was “one of the least divided societies surveyed”. Nonetheless, this was not always the case. We have come a long way from the early years of our independence, where racial tensions spilled over into riots. But we have not forgotten these lessons. This is why Singapore has enshrined our commitment to building a united nation, “regardless of race, language or religion” within our Constitution and National Pledge. We also have a Presidential Council for Minority Rights that examines all legislation to ensure that they are not disadvantageous to any racial or religious community.
5 Civil society and religious groups also play a key role in our efforts in building racial and religious harmony in Singapore. This is also recognised in Articles 6 and 8 of the Declaration on a Culture of Peace, which acknowledges the important role of such stakeholders in promoting a culture of peace. The Inter-Religious Organisation in Singapore, established over 70 years ago, builds networks among people of different religions for such engagements. We have established Racial and Religious Harmony Circles across all 93 constituencies in Singapore to promote interaction across ethnic and religious communities. Last year, the Singapore Government launched “Forward Singapore”, a nationwide exercise aimed at gathering views across multiple stakeholders on how best to refresh our social compact in a manner that is deemed fair by all segments of society. We will continue to promote inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue and mutual understanding, as without such efforts, differences of opinion can lead to division and mutual suspicion.
6 Singapore has also contributed to efforts to promote such dialogue at the international and regional levels. Over the years, Singapore has hosted the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, an event for interfaith and multicultural dialogue that has always featured global views from diverse stakeholders. We are continuing to work with the Conference participants to advance scholarship and collaboration on issues that affect social cohesion, and invite member states to support this initiative as well. Regionally, Singapore fully supports efforts such as ASEAN’s Plan of Action on Culture of Prevention for a Peaceful, Inclusive, Resilient, Healthy and Harmonious Society, which sets out action areas on promoting a culture of peace and intercultural understanding, among others, as well as the ASEAN Strategic Policy Framework on Promoting an Adaptive ASEAN Community of Greater Understanding, Tolerance and a Sense of Regional Agendas.
Madam President,
7 Singapore remains steadfast in our commitment to inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue and understanding. We will continue to work closely with all Member States towards our common aspiration of a global culture of peace.
8 I thank you.
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