Build optimism, solidarity to tackle 3 'long problems': President Tharman

Climate change, AI and ageing societies are the largest governance challenges that countries face, he says

- Goh Yan Han

Optimism and a collective belief in the future are critical if countries are to meet the three "long problems" facing the world, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Nov 27.

The three problems – climate change, artificial intelligence (AI) and ageing societies – are the largest governance challenges facing countries both domestically and internationally, he said at the inaugural J.Y. Pillay Lecture Series on Governance.

They are also issues where action or inaction today will decide the well-being not only of the current generation, but also of those to come, he added.

For instance, ways have to be found to win support among populations and address pushback when it comes to the climate transition, while the needs of steadily ageing societies must be met without sending the bill to the next generation, he said.

The annual lecture series organised by the Singapore University of Social Sciences is meant to celebrate the public service contributions of Mr Pillay, who is best known for being Singapore Airlines' first chairman and who led the Republic's flag carrier for 24 years.

Speaking before President Tharman, SUSS chairwoman Mildred Tan said it was fitting that the annual lecture, which will feature eminent local and foreign leaders, kicked off by focusing on governance, "the foundation of Mr Pillay's work and his belief in the power of well-led institutions to create positive, lasting change".

In his lecture, Mr Tharman noted the decline in confidence in government and trust in multilateralism across many countries in recent years, as captured by various surveys.

He said that it is in the common interest of societies to rebuild a realistic optimism so that the world can tackle these three long-range problems.