Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Singapore

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours
Paper text:
The peaceful use of outer space is increasingly under strain. The rise of anti-satellite (ASAT) tests, orbital congestion, and the growing role of private actors have introduced new vulnerabilities into a domain once seen as purely scientific. The absence of clear norms governing military activity in space, combined with the dual-use nature of most space technology, makes miscalculation and escalation genuine risks. Singapore’s approach to space security reflects its broader foreign policy philosophy: strength through cooperation, prudence through diplomacy. The Republic supports efforts that promote transparency, mutual trust, and the long-term sustainability of space activities. Singapore firmly upholds that space must remain a domain of peaceful cooperation, not strategic rivalry. The Republic is a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and fully supports its principles prohibiting the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. However, Singapore recognizes the limitations of existing legal instruments in addressing modern challenges such as ASAT testing and the behavior of commercial space entities. Singapore also emphasizes the importance of regional and non-state engagement. Encourage prior notification of space launches and maneuvers in line with the Registration Convention (1976) to enhance transparency. Strengthen Transparency and Confidence- Building Measures (TCBMs), develop mechanisms for space situational awareness (SSA) data-sharing among states to prevent collision risks and misunderstandings. Lay Foundations for Future Legal Instruments, use the OEWG and COPUOS frameworks to develop shared definitions of “responsible behavior” and “space threats,” setting the stage for eventual binding agreements. Advocate for an inclusive process where developing countries have equal input in shaping space norms, ensuring that governance reflects the interests of all nations, not only spacefaring powers. The Republic of Singapore envisions outer space as a shared and peaceful domain governed by transparency, accountability, and collective restraint. Building norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior is not a symbolic exercise; it is the pragmatic path toward preventing conflict. In Singapore’s view, restraint in space is not weakness, but wisdom. The costs of inaction or worse, confrontation, would be borne by all nations, large and small alike. The challenge before this committee is therefore not only to reduce space threats, but to ensure that space remains, in both principle and practice, a realm of cooperation rather than conflict.

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects
Paper text:
The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) remains a central driver of global insecurity. These weapons, easily portable and widely available, perpetuate armed conflict, organized crime, and terrorism. Despite the existence of frameworks like the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), illicit trafficking persists due to porous borders, insufficient national controls, and the growing role of non- state actors. Emerging technologies such as 3D printing have introduced new challenges in recent years. The ability to manufacture unregistered firearms using commercially available printers has added a digital layer to an already complex problem. While not yet widespread, this development underscores the need to modernize international approaches to arms control. Singapore views the illicit trade in SALW as a direct threat to international peace, domestic security, and sustainable development. As a nation with strict firearms regulations under its Arms and Explosives Act and Regulation of Imports and Exports Act, Singapore enforces a near-total prohibition on private weapon possession and closely monitors cross-border movement of controlled items. The Republic supports the full and effective implementation of the UN PoA and ITI, emphasizing stronger national legislation, improved tracing mechanisms, and enhanced information-sharing. Singapore also recognizes that as technology evolves, so must the norms that govern security. To this end, Singapore encourages responsible innovation by engaging private sector partners, including 3D printer manufacturers, to prevent the unlicensed creation of weapon components. Also, developing best practices to track digital transfers of weapon design files, treating them as controlled items where appropriate is advised. Partnering with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) will strengthen law enforcement's technical and forensic capabilities. Support for developing states efforts to improve border management systems and national arms registries through targeted training and funding is recommended. Singapore also advocates for a centralized UN database on illicit arms seizures, trafficking routes, and new manufacturing methods. Singapore believes that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons demands a 21st- century approach to a 20th-century problem. While traditional trafficking routes still dominate, new technologies like 3D printing could expand the scope of the threat if left unchecked. By reinforcing existing international frameworks, promoting responsible innovation, and fostering multilateral cooperation, the global community can reduce the spread of illicit arms and ensure that technological progress strengthens collective security.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence
Paper text:
Singapore is a country that is incredibly dependent on the cooperation of foreign countries and their adherence to international law. For the past 60 years Singapore has been able to benefit greatly from the stability of the world order, going from an underdeveloped colony to global trade hub during that time. However, with the shifting of world allegiances and the emergence of a new, multilateral world order, Singapore finds itself extremely vulnerable to the volatility that comes with the new order. Singapore views the developing world situation with concern. Several big powers are changing their positions and stances on the cooperative order that the UN worked to foster. Singapore has observed a global trend where isolationist movements have gained more and more traction in countries with a lot of influence. And because of this, these countries have sought to use their influence to instead coerce countries into doing what they want, instead of working together to meet common goals. But these big countries are protected from international law due to their status as veto power holders. Singapore has a history of supporting initiatives to reform veto power, such as in 2022 when Singapore signed onto the Veto Initiative. Singapore proposes to solve this issue by introducing reform to the UN and the use of veto power. Veto power has been used and is being used to further the goals of the few that hold it. So in order to make the UN more equal, more cooperative, more inclusive, Singapore feels that reform must be introduced on the matter of veto power. There are many ways that this can be done. One possible way to address a veto from a P5 country is to give the General Assembly the ability to overturn said veto with a super-majority, 3/4ths vote. This would greatly benefit all of the medium and smaller countries to have a say in things by entrenching multilateralism into the UN charter. And it would also prevent countries from being able to escape the consequences of violating international law by hiding behind veto power. Singapore hopes to ensure a cooperative future in the UN, and hopes that many of the other delegations will be interested in achieving a similar outcome. The UN is a body in which the small are given as much of a voice as the big. And though it may be flawed, without it there would be no hope in the world for the weak. So Singapore’s goal is to maintain the multilateral environment that the UN has fostered.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind
Paper text:
"The future is as full of promise as it is fraught with uncertainty... The future is what we make of iit..." These words by Prime Minister Lee are integral to the outlook and merits of Singaporean society. As a small, prosperous nation on the forefront of the impacts of climate change: rising sea levels, resource scarcity, mass migration, we hold firm to our commitment to do as much as we can to extend our prosperity in any corner of the world we can reach. We are firmly committed to continuing and expanding our work to complete the Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined by this body nearly a decade ago. We and other nations have taken important steps to ensure this. Our energy sector is almost 92% natural gas, the cleanest burning fossil fuel, and using carbon taxes and green energy benchmarks, we are set to be net-zero by the end of this half-century. Nearly 80% of buildings in Singapore are green certified in energy efficiency. We are trying to not waste a single drop, and Singapore feels it is succeeding. But we know we can do more, and we want to help all of you in doing more. As a nation, so reliant on others for important commercial resources, we want to help give back, because as progress slows the side effects become more and more prevalent. Nations like Tuvalu and the Maldives are sinking as we speak. Nations in Africa and Central Asia are experiencing rising temperatures. The forests of North America are experiencing more frequent droughts and fires. This is everyone's problem, and we hope we can find everyone’s solution. We hope to use our time in this body to work hard and work efficiently to find stable solutions to these problems, and take another small yet important step to securing a future for our world.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination
Paper text:
The right to self-determination is a fundamental right that is necessary for persons to exist freely. Yet 1 in 67 people has been forced to flee. At the end of 2024, there were 123.2 million people who were forcibly displaced, and 4.4 million stateless people. These individuals lack the very basic rights that are needed to exist peacefully- people are not allowed to move freely, being removed from place after place and continuously having to leave their homes; people can’t have healthcare, education, or employment. Singapore is dedicated to humane treatment and maintaining a standard of global human rights everywhere. In 1966, the United Nations established the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which determined people’s rights to amnesty, liberty and rule of law, and freedom from slavery and unwarranted imprisonment. Then, in 2004, the United Nations recognized that a major cause of violations of the right to self- determination stems from foreign military occupations that aim to overthrow legitimate governments, determining a factor to focus on. The UN has had a long-standing history of fighting for the right of self determination, which Singapore backs strongly. States like Palestine should not have to suffer at the hands of their occupiers anymore and should have the same freedoms as other nations. The Delegation of Singapore hopes that all nations acknowledge and strive for the right of self-determination for everyone soon, and that compromise and peace can be achieved with less bloodshed and violence in the future. Every member of the United Nations should strive for freedom for everyone and feel for the people who are not yet free. Compassion must be extended beyond borders, and that is the ultimate purpose this organization serves-compromise through compassion and common goals.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas
Paper text:
Out of 10 women, 1 lives in extreme poverty, and only 61% of women who are of working age are working, in contrast to 90% of men. Yet, only 4% of programmes are dedicated to gender equality. Women and girls are fundamental contributors to our society, yet face ongoing struggles that women in rural areas are often significantly more impacted by. In 1995, Singapore signed onto the Beijing Declaration, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and displays the UN’s and Singapore's long-term, ongoing commitment to gender equality and the efforts necessary to achieve it. The Beijing Declaration focused on economic opportunity and independence for women, and addresses the structural challenges that women face when it comes to poverty. The declaration also focused specifically on rural women, which many other initiatives lack, advocating for better development and access to education, which often seems to be at a standstill. Another issue the Beijing declaration addressed is the disproportionate health risks women in rural areas face, with access to healthcare for women being a bare minimum, as well as protection from climate change, which is a significant threat to rural women, as they must primarily rely on the ecosystems in their environments. There is a significant portion of our population that is impacted by this, directly or indirectly. It is in everyone's best interest to advocate for women's rights, including and never forgetting the women and girls in rural areas. To achieve these goals, with global interest in mind, but also acknowledging the simple fact that women deserve equality, initiatives have to be created. Singapore strongly urges all nations to put their efforts towards initiatives for more land ownership for women, as well as improving education accessibility for women. While patriarchal systems and thought processes will not be immediately eradicated, both land ownership and prolonged education for girls have long- term effects on lives. An extra year of education can increase a woman's eventual wage by 10-20%, make her less at risk of violence, as well encourage her to marry later and have fewer children. Increasing land ownership for women can lead to higher productivity in agriculture, making it possible to lower the number of hungry people by 12-17%. Singapore hopes that other nations will put strong dedication and effort into these initiatives. Giving women more opportunities and freedoms often paves a direct path to more liberties, giving them a way to demonstrate the direct and significant positive impact women have on society.

Committee:	IAEA
Topic:	Nuclear security
Paper text:
In an interconnected global world, one radiological incident committed by hostile actors could completely cripple countries and lives on the opposite side of the globe. With roughly 90% of global trade moving through sea routes an incident like this would not only greatly affect Singapore as an international trading hub, but all those states that rely on global trade and our brothers and sisters in southeast Asia. Singapore recognizes that nuclear security is not only a national or regional issue but a shared international concern and responsibility, Nuclear Terrorism is a real and immediate threat, Singapore urges member states, even those we may not always see eye to eye on issues to come together as an international community and crush the global threat of nuclear terrorism once and for all. Singapore views nuclear security as central towards all our shared hopes of global peace, safety, and sustainable development, as highlighted in Singapore’s recent state at the 2025 UN disarmament commission, we reaffirm our commitment to the treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its various amendments. Singapore has also updated our domestic regulations through the Ionizing Radiation Regulations 2023 reinforcing oversight on safe use of radioactive materials. Singapore recognizes that not all countries can respond to nuclear threats whether that be actions from hostile actors or from meltdowns, accidents, or various other incidents. That is why Singapore proposes the creation of Nuclear Emergency Response Teams (NERTs). Organized around regional coordination centers (e.g. Southeast Asia, West Africa, Central America) to be staging grounds for response teams to take various actions, maintenance of equipment, training of said response teams, etc. Singapore hopes to bridge gaps and deepen our international partnerships and enhance global nuclear security, specifically in those regions most in need. We welcome collaboration with states that hold a similar vision to ours. Singapore invites all countries both those developing and developed to help all of us build a more secure and safer future for nuclear technology.

Committee:	IAEA
Topic:	Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications
Paper text:
In a world where 673 million people face hunger and 2.3 billion face food insecurity. Where in some countries 50% of the population are expected to get some form of cancer in their lives. Nuclear technology offers a hope for a brighter future, not just in energy production but in crop mutation breeding and sustainable agriculture to life saving radiotherapy. The challenge we all face currently is not in innovation, but in making sure all countries, especially those most in need have access to these lifesaving technologies and powerful tools. Singapore believes that nuclear science and technology must be harnessed not for just energy, but for the greater good. As a member state of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Singapore supports safe, effective, and peaceful nuclear development and uses, under international regulations and safeguards. Singapore proposes the establishment of localized nuclear training centers (LNTCs), these centers with support from the IAEA would build national and regional capacities for nuclear technologies and training. These centers would be constructed in regions (e.g. Western Europe, East Asia, Central America) and focus on various aspects of radiological protection, emergency response, safety guidelines, etc. tailored to the local environment and context. Singapore hopes that through partnerships with nuclear nations, the private sector, and universities/higher education, we can ensure long lasting knowledge transfer and effective training. Singapore seeks collaboration and cooperation with other like-minded countries that share our values for a better and brighter future for all of mankind. We invite all member states, especially those with technical experience and expertise, to join us in ensuring that no country is left behind in a peaceful nuclear future

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