New York, 27 September 2025 – Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), described the current state of global affairs as a turning point and called on member states to “double down on multilateralism founded on international law” despite signs that the post-World War II global order is increasingly under strain.
The speech, titled “Renewing Our Commitment to Multilateralism in an Era of Turbulence”, framed multilateralism not as a matter of principle alone, but of survival for small states dependent on international rules and norms.
“The post-War world order that I have just described has come to an end,” he said, warning of a rising disregard for international law and an “erosion of respect for the principles of the UN Charter”.
Post-war order under stress
Balakrishnan recounted how the last 80 years, despite being imperfect, represented a unique period of relative peace and prosperity:
“The first half of the 20th century was amongst the bloodiest periods known to mankind… [but] the victors of World War Two were most unusual,” he said, highlighting how they chose to build institutions like the United Nations and International Court of Justice (ICJ) to govern international relations through law rather than force.
Singapore, he noted, had benefited immensely from this system. He cited the country’s economic rise—from a GDP per capita of US$500 in 1965 to approximately US$85,000 today—as evidence of what multilateral cooperation can enable for small states.
Global instability and erosion of law
However, Balakrishnan warned that the same foundations are now eroding. He attributed this partly to a more transactional approach from global powers and growing competition among them:
“The primary underwriters of the old world order have now decided to take a more transactional, a narrower view of their national interests.”
He added that this shift has weakened the ability of states to cooperate and underwrite global public goods:
“The world has become more turbulent, more uncertain, and in some places, more violent.”
Conflict zones and contested expectations
The Minister referenced several major conflict zones—Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan—describing them as tragic symptoms of the weakening global order. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying:
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and shocking. Singapore hopes there will be an immediate ceasefire, an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and for immediate access to humanitarian aid, food, and medical care for the civilians in Gaza.”
While this call aligns with widespread international concern, it comes amid reports that underscore the growing complexity and perceived futility of ceasefire efforts.
For instance, in recent months, multiple sources including Al Jazeera and The Guardian have reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted members of Hamas and affiliated Palestinian factions while they were reportedly engaged in ceasefire negotiations. This has led to increasing scepticism about the viability of mediated truces, particularly when talks are undermined by violence.
In this context, Singapore’s position—though consistent with international humanitarian law—has been viewed by some observers as detached from current conflict realities.
Balakrishnan also reiterated Singapore’s position on state recognition:
“Singapore will recognise the State of Palestine when it has an effective government that accepts Israel’s right to exist and categorically renounces terrorism.”
He warned that Singapore may reconsider its position if further action by Israel “extinguish[es] a two-State solution,” adding:
“Singapore cannot recognise any unilateral annexation of occupied territory because this would be a flagrant breach of international law.”
On Ukraine, he was unequivocal: “A permanent member of the Security Council has to comply with the UN Charter.”
He also referenced ongoing violence in Sudan and other conflict zones, warning of “impunity” and “preventable famines” as symptoms of global governance failure.
Economic fragmentation and retreat from trade multilateralism
Balakrishnan turned to trade, arguing that the World Trade Organization’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle is being undermined:
“The repudiation of the principle of Most Favoured Nation… erodes a transparent rules-based multilateral system, giving way to a system where trade agreements approximate bilateral arm-wrestling matches.”
He warned this trend is detrimental to small, trade-dependent economies like Singapore.
Still possible to reach consensus
Despite his bleak assessment of current geopolitical trends, Balakrishnan maintained that multilateralism remains viable, citing three recent UN achievements:
- The BBNJ Agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, which will enter into force on 17 January 2026. He commended Singapore’s Ambassador Rena Lee for her leadership in presiding over the treaty negotiations.
- The UN Open-Ended Working Group on Cybersecurity, chaired by Burhan Gafoor, which recently established the Global Mechanism on Cybersecurity to guide responsible state behaviour.
- Two new World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties on genetic resources and design law, facilitated by Daren Tang.
“These three examples,” he said, “demonstrate that even in these fractured, fractious times, it is possible to come together to manage our global commons, and to achieve agreement and consensus.”
Singapore’s ICJ nomination and UN reform
Balakrishnan announced that Singapore would nominate Ambassador Rena Lee to the International Court of Justice, highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to international law:
“If elected, Ambassador Lee will only be the second person and the first woman from Southeast Asia to serve on this Court.”
On reform, he was direct in his criticism of veto abuse within the UN Security Council:
“The increasing, and if I may add, cynical use of vetoes by the P5 must be constrained.”
He called for a more representative and inclusive UN, and for stronger cooperation between the Security Council and the General Assembly. He also highlighted the need for UN institutions to focus on “real people on the ground”—emphasising development goals such as clean water, education, social mobility, and jobs.
Emerging technologies and global governance
Dr Balakrishnan addressed the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), calling for early multilateral engagement and “guardrails”:
“AI’s transformative force can aid conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations. But… it requires guardrails, so that it can be harnessed responsibly.”
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