Weakening of UN would be dire for small states like Singapore: Vivian

Use of veto powers at Security Council must be reined in for body to be effective, he says

- Hariz Baharudin Correspondent

A weakened United Nations would be dire for small states like Singapore, as it remains "the only game in town" where all 193 member states are represented and able to engage one another, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

At a time when conflicts, trade tensions and climate anxieties dominate the global agenda, there is an absolute need for multilateralism, stressed Dr Balakrishnan, noting how small states can make a difference by building bridges and upholding international law.

At the same time, he cautioned that reforms are needed to keep the world body effective, calling on it to rein in the rising use of veto powers by the five permanent members, also known as the P5, of the UN Security Council.

Dr Balakrishnan told Singapore media at the close of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sept 28 that despite tensions and disagreements, the UN is still the only forum where "everyone is present".

"If there's sufficient goodwill and maturity, in fact, some very good conversations can be had, even on very difficult issues. So I would say there is a risk of fracture, but the UN is still the only game in town, and it's our duty to lean in and to help this process of engagement," he said.

Dr Balakrishnan said three big clusters of issues had emerged at the UNGA in 2025: war and peace; economic development and sustainable growth; and the global commons such as climate change, pandemics and artificial intelligence.

He underscored that Singapore, despite being a small state, has been present and active at the platform.

While there is deep anxiety about the UN's ability to be effective and to make decisions, Dr Balakrishnan noted that there have also been signs of progress. Singapore has played a constructive role, acting as a bridge-builder and coordinator in several areas.