YouSaid · the spoken record

Burhan Gafoor

lines on the record: 34
first: 2020-05-15
most recent: 2021-06-29
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It is more important than ever for Member States to tackle the challenge of cybersecurity together, in a sustained, holistic, and coordinated manner. Singapore stands ready to work with all countries to build partnerships and cooperation towards a secure, trusted, open, and interoperable cyberspace.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“That year, ASEAN became the first regional organization to subscribe in-principle to the 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTS. ASEAN is now developing an action plan to implement these norms. Within ASEAN, Singapore has also been supporting capacity-building programmes. The ASEAN- Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence was established in 2019 as a multidisciplinary centre for capacity-building on areas such as confidence-building measures, policy, strategy, legislation, and operations. We look forward to working together with Member States to enhance our collective cybercapacity-building efforts. Let me conclude by saying that a safe and secure digital infrastructure must undergird our ambitions for the digital economy.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“This brings me to my fourth point on greater engagement with other stakeholders, in particular the private sector. With a significant portion of CII owned by the private sector, the international community must find ways to cooperate closely with the private sector to prevent and mitigate the impact of such disruptions. Singapore supports a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors to exchange best practices to support a strong cybersecurity framework. Fifth, Singapore believes that regional organizations play an essential role to support United Nations discussions and to assist in the implementation of rules and norms developed at the United Nations. Cybersecurity was a priority for Singapore’s Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2018.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“We support the exchange of best practices and experiences on the implementation of norms. This will help to identify challenges which we should tackle and gaps where additional norms may be needed. Singapore supports further work to elaborate the existing norms. For example, malicious cyberactivity against any cross-border Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), such as clouds and banking systems, can cause wide-ranging disruptions to essential services in multiple States, including those related to international trade, transport, and communications. States should consider how to improve cross-border cooperation with the relevant infrastructure owners and operators to enhance the ICT security measures accorded to such infrastructure.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“If we are serious about a global approach to cybersecurity, we must maintain a strong focus on capacity-building for countries that need help. This is one area where the United Nations can help to coordinate efforts. Singapore partnered with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs to develop an online training course open to all Member States to promote a greater understanding of the use of ICT and their implications for international security. We remain committed to working with and supporting the United Nations to offer further capacity-building programmes. Third, Singapore believes that more can be done to promote greater awareness and implementation of the existing 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour in the use of ICT.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“As Chair of this body, Singapore is strongly committed to continuing the open, inclusive, and transparent discussions on cybersecurity at the United Nations. We are hopeful that the work of the new Open-ended Working Group will contribute to a rules-based multilateral order in cyberspace, and give all States, big or small, the confidence, predictability, and stability that are essential for economic progress, job creation, and technology adoption. We look forward to working closely with all Member States in this regard. Second, all States are vulnerable to malicious cyberactivity which is growing in scale and sophistication. But small States are particularly vulnerable, especially developing countries and least developed countries.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“The cybersecurity discussions were brought to the wider membership for the first time at the s session of the General Assembly. This was done through the establishment of the Open-ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security. We are encouraged by the successful recent adoption of the consensus report of the Open- ended Working Group. The report contributes to our common understanding on many issues and identifies areas where more discussions are needed. Singapore participated actively in both the Open-ended Working Group and the most recent Group of Governmental Experts. Singapore is also honoured to be elected as Chair of the new Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“We need to double down on international collaboration for greater cyberresilience and stability. Singapore is committed to the role of the United Nations, as the only universal, inclusive, and multilateral forum, in developing rules that govern cyberspace. We are encouraged by the maturing cybersecurity discussions at the United Nations. Since the first time information and communications technology (ICT) security was included in the agenda of the United Nations in 1998, six Groups of Governmental Experts (Group of Governmental Experts) have studied the threats posed by the misuse of ICT in the context of international security and how these threats should be addressed. Four of these Groups have agreed on substantive reports, including the latest iteration which has just completed its work.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“First, we must recognize that cyberspace is fundamentally an issue of managing the global commons. As a small State, Singapore has always supported a rules-based multilateral system rooted in respect for international law. Our approach is no different regarding cyberspace. To maintain a cyberspace that is secure, trusted, open, and interoperable, we must adopt a global approach, based on global rules and norms and adherence to international law. To do so will be challenging, given the backdrop of a volatile and fractious global landscape caused by growing geopolitical tensions. However, we have no option but to continue to advocate and support the applicability of international law and norms in order to encourage responsible State behaviour in cyberspace.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“Thank you for convening this important meeting, which marks the first time that the Security Council will address cybersecurity formally. It is a timely topic. The accelerated speed of digitalization brought on by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has benefited our lives in new ways. It has also opened us up to new vulnerabilities. Cyber threats and malicious cyberactivities are becoming more frequent and sophisticated with more severe consequences. In 2020, malicious cyberactivities were estimated to have cost losses of nearly $1 trillion. The recent spate of such activities is a stark reminder that the international community must continue to guard against and be prepared to respond to these global and transboundary threats. I would like to highlight five points in this regard.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“We look forward to the analytical summary of all statements and suggestions made at this debate, and we also look forward to further outcomes of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions under the able leadership of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“The Arria-formula meeting was originally envisaged as a platform for the Council to discuss sensitive topics with the benefit of external briefers. But recent Arria-formula meetings appear to be more divisive than consultative. The opt-out nature of these meetings, together with the recent tendency to widely publicize them in a hyperconnected social media framework, risks creating echo chambers that further divide rather than unite the Council. We believe that the Arria-formula format remains relevant to promote frank discussions and shed light on emerging security challenges. Nevertheless, we hope that Council members will avoid politicizing this tool. To conclude, we call on all members to continue their constructive eng agement in improving the working methods of the Council with practical proposals.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“However, Member States have the right to at least know what is being discussed by the Council and when. Otherwise, these discussions under “any other business” may as well be phantom meetings. Fourth, innovation must be accompanied by perspective. Even as we innovate, we should not lose sight of the original purposes and intentions behind any particular initiative. The relative logistical ease of holding online meetings has resulted in a proliferation of videoconferences, high-level events and Arria-formula meetings. This in itself is not necessarily bad, and we commend all Council members for their tireless work and increased output. Nevertheless, we would stress the need for quality over quantity. In particular, the Arria-formula meetings present an interesting case.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“Recorded video statements should also be considered to manage time differences as necessary. My third point is on transparency. Inclusiveness on its own is insufficient without transparency. Unfortunately, we note that the number of closed Council meetings remains high. Of 269 videoconferences held in 2020, 126 were closed. This is not counting the closed discussions that take place under the heading of “any other business”. These discussions are extremely important, as they often revolve around the most pressing hotspot issues of the day. We therefore suggest that the topics of such discussions should be reflected in the programme of work. We understand the necessity of closed meetings, as some discussions would be better facilitated in a private setting.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“However, we are disappointed that the majority of open debates continue to feature only the statements of briefers and Council members, while non-Council members who wish to participate can only submit written statements. The present debate on the important issue of the Council’s working methods, in which it would have been useful for Council members to hear the views of the wider membership, is one such example. By the time that the compendium of statements is circulated, the Council will already have shifted its focus to other issues. This defeats the purpose of open debates, as the Council is essentially listening only to itself. We therefore suggest that non-Council members be allowed to speak at all open debates, as was the case before the pandemic.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“The results on inclusiveness are mixed. We commend the Council for regularizing the introductory and wrap-up sessions of each presidency and for formalizing them in the monthly programme of work. We are also pleased that the Council’s programme of work is now also reflected in the Journal of the United Nations and not just on the Council’s separate website. This ensures that the Council’s programme of work is widely disseminated to the entire United Nations membership and allows Member States to prepare in advance and to participate, where applicable. This is especially true for smaller States who may have more difficulty following all of the Council’s activities in detail.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“I would like to highlight several points in this regard. First, we commend the Council for remaining agile and innovative in the face of the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Council was the first main body of the United Nations to adapt its practices to ensure business continuity, including through the extensive use of videoconferences and through its modified voting procedure. The Council has also been transparent in explaining its modified practices, through the letters issued at the beginning of the month by each presidency. We welcome the fact that these letters continue to be issued. This shows that the Council is not taking its working methods for granted. My second point is that, for the Council to remain agile, it must be responsive to the wider membership and therefore also inclusive.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“The Council is one of the most important bodies of the United Nations, with wide-ranging powers, such as its ability to impose binding obligations pursuant to chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Given these powers, the Council must therefore be held to the highest levels of transparency and accountability. Yet the myriad practices and working methods of the Council remains complex, even arcane. It is therefore important to improve the working methods of the Council for greater transparency and accountability. This benefits all States, big or small, including the permanent members. It is an area in which we can make an immediate and noticeable difference, without getting caught up in the legalities and technicalities pertaining to amendments to the Charter. The theme of the debate today is “Agility and innovation”.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“I thank the Permanent Mission of Estonia for convening this important discussion on the working methods of the Security Council. My delegation also appreciates the leadership of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, on this issue. We thank Ambassador Inga Rhonda King; Loraine Sievers, the former Chief of the Security Council Secretariat Branch and co-author of the fourth edition of The Procedure of the UN Security Council; and Karin Landgren of the Security Council Report for their insightful briefings today. Singapore has always been a strong supporter of improvements to the working methods of the Security Council.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“This has been borne out by the Court’s facilitation of the peaceful settlement of disputes for over 70 years. As we commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, it is timely to reflect how we, as States Members of the United Nations, can strengthen the Organization’s role in peacebuilding and sustaining peace. In this context, I would like to thank Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and New Zealand for co- facilitating the 2020 review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture this S/2020/1090 year. It is imperative that we take an action-oriented, forward-looking approach, so as to ensure a peaceful and sustainable future for the generations to come. Singapore remains committed to the future of the United Nations and the values and ideals enshrined in its Charter.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“The second Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations for 2021-2025, adopted last month, will further enhance the dynamic partnership between the two organizations. Similarly, collective action and cooperation are needed at the global level to confront increasingly complex and intersecting challenges. It is in the interest of every State to uphold a universal, rules-based multilateral system. A rules-based system is essential not only for the survival of small States, such as Singapore, but it is also fundamental to the creation of a more peaceful and stable global environment that benefits all States. Such institutions as the International Court of Justice play a key role in contributing to peacebuilding and promoting the rule of law at the international level.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“In that regard, regional organizations are important actors in building and sustaining peace and security, as outlined in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Strengthening regional frameworks to support greater cooperation, economic integration and conflict prevention will reinforce national efforts, build resilience and enable countries to be better prepared to respond to common challenges. In Southeast Asia, for example, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has promoted peace, stability and prosperity in the region over the past five decades. ASEAN and the United Nations have worked together to combat threats such as climate change and terrorism.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“At the national level, States must develop the foundations for global peace and stability through national policies and actions that promote sustainable development. We urgently need to focus on reducing poverty and inequality by formulating inclusive national policies, adopting a multi-stakeholder approach in our decision-making processes and focusing on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable groups in our societies, including women and children. Beyond what States can achieve through national policies and action, it has become increasingly clear that countries cannot tackle transnational challenges alone. Many countries continue to struggle with conflict and violence, and the emergence of contemporary threats like the coronavirus disease pandemic and climate change have exacerbated the struggles that those countries face.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“Allow me to express my appreciation to you, Madam, and your delegation for convening today’s open debate on this important and timely topic. This year has demonstrated all too clearly that many of the modern threats we face are multifaceted and interconnected. Contemporary drivers of conflict and insecurity, such as environmental challenges and pandemics, pose an existential threat to all humankind. Such challenges demand the collective and sustained attention of the international community. But to build sustainable peace requires more than addressing traditional security issues. It calls for tackling both long- standing and longer-term challenges at the national, regional and global levels. Peace and security are inextricably linked to development.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“We thank the Estonian presidency for convening this discussion today and look forward to a good outcome of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions under the able leadership of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Singapore joined more than 100 countries in supporting the Franco-Mexican initiative and the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group’s code of conduct on limiting the use of the veto in the consideration of mass atrocity crimes. While the permanent five members have special privileges, these privileges come with increased responsibilities. This perspective applies not only to the use of the veto on draft resolutions, but also to the “informal” vetoes on other products of the Council. Otherwise, the Council would not be able to discharge its duties in the maintenance of international peace and security. In conclusion, we call on all members to continue to engage constructively in improving the working methods of the Council by making practical proposals.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“It increases the risk of Council products being drafted from a fixed lens and disenfranchises the Council members that do not have opportunities to take a lead role on issues. A Council with members who feel sidelined is not only non- inclusive but will also be ineffective in representing the interests of the wider United Nations membership. My third point relates to agility and effectiveness. The Council’s record on this aspect remains mixed, with a strong voice being taken on some specific issues, but a lack of timely and adequate action on others. The veto unfortunately has too often been used to block Council action aimed at preventing mass atrocity crimes.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“We hope that these meetings will continue as a standard practice and that they will contain more interactive discussions and greater analysis. My delegation is also encouraged by some signs of increased intra-Council inclusiveness. The earlier on-boarding of newly elected members is a positive step to better equip the elected 10 members of the Security Council for their terms. Nevertheless, we think that there is room for improvement in the burden-sharing system and distribution of work among Council members. In particular, we hope that more Council members will be given the opportunity to assume penholderships or co-penholderships on issues. A monopoly over penholderships has potential drawbacks.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“We are disappointed that only seven monthly assessments were issued for 2019 and note that only two monthly assessments have been issued thus far for 2020. We hope that more Council members will submit their monthly reports on time. My second point is on inclusiveness. We are encouraged that the Council has made greater use of various formats, such as the Arria Formula meeting and the Toledo-style dialogue, to engage more interactively not just with the wider membership of the United Nations, but also with members of civil society. We are also encouraged by the regularization of introductory and wrap-up meetings with the wider membership by the presidency of each month and are pleased that the date and time of these meetings is now being communicated to all Member States well in advance.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Nevertheless, we believe that it would be useful if key decision points from these meetings were shared with the wider membership. The General Assembly’s consideration of the annual report of the Council is a vital exercise in transparency and accountability. We trust that the new timelines stipulated in note S/2019/997, namely, that the report must be “discussed and thereafter adopted by the Council no later than 30 May, in time for its consideration by the General Assembly immediately thereafter”, S/2020/418 S/2020/418 will be upheld. It is important for the General Assembly to have robust discussions on the work of the Council, as that enhances the legitimacy and credibility of the Council. Similarly, the monthly assessments of the work of the Council are equally important.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“The Council was the first main body of the United Nations to adapt its practices to ensure business continuity without sacrificing transparency and accountability. We are encouraged by the Council’s efforts to continually improve its provisional working methods in the light of COVID-19 and commend in particular the letters each successive presidency has issued to reaffirm and improve upon these practices. A greater number of public meetings have also been held; since the outbreak of the pandemic, 16 open video-teleconferences have been convened. We welcome the continued publication of the outcomes of these meetings, including the written records of all the statements submitted. As for closed consultations, we understand that they are often necessary to promote candid and frank discussions among the main stakeholders.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“As the vast majority of States Members of the United Nations are not members of the Security Council and often face great difficulties or resource constraints in being elected to the Council, it is of utmost importance that the Council’s work be conducted transparently. As a small State, Singapore strongly supports improving the Council’s working methods. This perspective benefits all States, large or small, including the permanent members of the Council. It is an area where we can make an immediate and noticeable difference without getting caught up in the legalities and technicalities pertaining to Charter amendments. I would like to draw attention to several areas. First, we are pleased at the efforts undertaken to preserve transparency and accountability despite the challenges posed by coronavirus disease (COVID-19).”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Indeed, one of the yardsticks against which we will judge all elected members is their commitment to improving the working methods of the Council. We are therefore heartened that the group of 10 elected members of the Council (E-10) has, for a second consecutive year, reiterated its commitment in this regard. Singapore fully endorses the joint statement by the E-10. This is not to divide the Council between the permanent and elected members, but to increase transparency and accountability to the wider United Nations membership. After all, the Charter of the United Nations clearly states that the Council acts on behalf of all United Nations Members, which have conferred on the Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Allow me to express my appreciation to Estonia for convening this timely and important discussion on the working methods of the Security Council. My delegation also appreciates the leadership of Kuwait and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the previous and current Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions, on this issue. We look forward to incorporating the eight Notes by the President that were adopted in December 2019 into the revised note S/2017/507 at the next opportunity. We also thank Ambassador Rhonda King and Ms. Karin Landgren of the Security Council Report for their insightful briefings today. At the open debate on this topic last year (see S/PV.8539), I highlighted our expectation that all elected members take working methods seriously during their term in the Council.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source