The President of the 76th Session of the General Assembly H.E. Abdulla Shahid met with Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Ms. Grace Fu, and was briefed on Singapore’s water management policy as part of the country’s sustainability strategy. The Minister informed of the water-related threats to Singapore from climate change, including sea-level rise, and the approach taken by Singapore’s Water Agency (PUB) to manage threats as well as to respond to SDG 6, ensuring clean water supply in a sustainable manner.
The President also heard from Melissa Low and Nor Lastrina Hamid, two youth leaders active in sustainability initiatives in Singapore. Melissa recalled her experience as a student when she attended a UNCCC meeting and how it influenced her strong interest and activism on climate change. Nor Lastrina spoke of the importance of climate activism for Small Island Developing States and the role played by groups such as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in advocating for implementation of the outcomes of the UNFCC Conference of Parties (COP).
The President and the Minster discussed the common water challenges faced by Singapore and other Small Island States and the importance of global collaboration in this regard. The President was shown a demonstration of the Marina Barrage facility, a multi-functional facility that supplies water, manages floods, and offers family recreation.
Following the meeting and demonstration at Marina Barrage water facility, the President was given a guided tour of the Singapore Gardens by The Bay by its Chief Executive Office Mr. Felix Loh. The President was briefed on the role the garden plays in educating Singaporeans and millions of visitors from across the world on protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
The President commended Singapore for its historically strong role in environmental sustainability and its commitment to implementation of the Rio Conventions. He recalled the outcome of the 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC COP26), which kept the 1.5 target alive but fell far short of what is required to significantly reduce global emissions. In this regard, he looked forward to Singapore’s support when he convenes Member States in July in a Moment for Nature initiative to take stock of progress on implementation of the Conventions and identify critical gaps for further action.
6 February 2022
