Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, 15 Mar 2015

Mr President

Secretary-General Ban

Friends,

1                 We thank the Government of Japan and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for organising this event, the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

2                 This Conference is the first of a series of UN Conferences and Summits this year.  These conferences and seminars are dedicated to finding global solutions to disaster risk management, long-term sustainable development and climate change.  Both natural and man-made disasters are major threats.  They threaten national security and public well-being.

3                 The Asia-Pacific is one of the world’s most disaster-prone areas.  Nearly half of the world’s reported natural disasters between 2004 and 2013, occurred in this region.  Even as we are having this conference, we have all heard the devastation brought by the cyclone that has hit Vanuatu and caused damage to other islands.  We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to those affected by this disaster.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.  We in Singapore will help to assist in humanitarian efforts to Vanuatu.

4                 Singapore is relatively free from natural disasters due to our geographical location.  But we are not spared from natural disasters nearby. We are also not immune from man-made disasters and threats such as terrorism.  The impact of even the smallest incidents would be substantial because of our small size and high population density.  We therefore pay particular attention to disaster risk management.  We consider it an important part of sustainable development.

5                 Singapore therefore welcomes the adoption of a post-2015 Hyogo Framework for Action.  We support the recommendation of the Open-ended Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in New York.  The Group has suggested that disaster risk management be included as part of the post-2015 SDGs.

6                 Reducing disaster risk is crucial for long-term economic growth and sustainable development and it is crucial to national and regional security. It requires us to address the underlying causes of disasters.  In its 10-year review, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) found that 87% of disasters are climate-change related.  It is important to ensure that we succeed in efforts to find a global solution to climate change.

7                 It is tempting for policy makers to focus on the immediate and defer seemingly distant problems.  But we have seen how disasters can happen without warning.  And often, the result is great devastation.

8                 Singapore’s approach has been to plan for the long-term. We integrate disaster risk reduction into our national development plans and policies.  All our reclaimed land, for example, stands at 2.25 meters above the highest recorded water levels.

9                 Singapore also places special emphasis on building up resilience within the community.  We conduct regular drills and spend a lot of effort on public education.  We recognise the need to build community resilience and response.

10               Disasters know no boundaries.  And no country can deal with such disasters by itself.  We have to emphasise collective security.  More nations have to commit resources and share expertise to boost the DRR capacities of States which need them. 

11               Last November, Singapore and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs conducted a joint seminar in Singapore on Disaster Management for officials from Small Island Developing States (SIDs).  We hope that efforts like these will help build regional resilience.

12              Singapore has also trained personnel who are ready to be deployed on short notice.  They can be sent to disaster sites under UN and regional standby arrangements.

13               Singapore has also established the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre last September.  The Centre will contribute to a more effective and timely regional disaster response.  It will facilitate better coordination between militaries providing assistance.  It will complement existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, and UN OCHA.

14               Singapore and UNISDR will jointly conduct a training programme on DRR in Singapore this October.  This training course is targeted at helping developing countries, in particular SIDS.  It will focus on the needs of SIDs that are particularly vulnerable to cyclones, and we hope that it will assist in their future disaster preparedness, mitigation and response capacities.

15               Mr President, we remain fully supportive of international collaboration in DRR.

Thank you.

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