Singapore calls for urgent UN reform amid global crises

‘World is in a dangerous phase,’ says foreign minister at UN General Assembly

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Singapore emphasized the urgent need Saturday for reforming the UN to address global challenges.

"The world is in an acutely dangerous phase, and civilians in multiple trouble spots are paying a horrendous price," Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told the UN General Assembly in New York.

He urged a return to the UN's foundational role in maintaining international peace, pointing to conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.

"We cannot allow recent violations of international law to become normalized," said Balakrishnan, highlighting the war in Ukraine as a "flagrant violation.”

Balakrishnan announced Singapore's commitment of more than $17 million in aid for the Gaza Strip and urged the safe provision of humanitarian assistance in addressing climate change and humanitarian crises.

He concluded with a call to empower the youth and leverage digital technologies to tackle future global challenges.

"We are witnessing the dawn of the age of digital transformation."

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