Small Island States urged to remain open and connected in a globalized world [1]
Thursday, February 9, 2017 - 17:06. Updated on Thursday, February 23, 2017 - 21:31.
As the world faces uncertain times, Small Island States must remain open and connected to global networks in order to survive and thrive, urged Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
Minister Balakrishnan was addressing Ministers and senior officials from 14 Pacific Island States and Timor-Leste, including Tonga’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva and heads of key regional Pacific organisations, attending a High Level Study Visit from 7-9 February 2017 in Singapore.
“We do not have the option of turning inwards. We do not have the option of opting out of globalization,” said Min Balakrishnan at the welcome reception.
He emphasized the importance of holding crucial conversations around working together by building bridges and recognizing and celebrating diversity.
“We all share common interests and common priorities.”
The size and geography of Small Island States opens them to vulnerabilities and challenges including climate change, all the more reasons to stick together. Minister Balakishnan said they would learn from each other as they tackled the challenges together.
Over three days of the Study Visit, the visitors gained an insight to Singapore’s management of areas such as its ports, water, educational facilities, and public service, and learned about its development experience.
The Study Visit is the second to take place following the inaugural Singapore-Pacific Ministerial Study Visit held five years ago in 2012.
Singapore also announced its commitment to assisting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by renewing its Special Technical Assistance Programme for SIDS under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). The SCP has trained around 5,000 officials from the Pacific Island States and Timor-Leste since its inception in 1992.
“These exchanges are valuable platforms to advance our people-to-people ties and our institutional links,” said Min Balakishnan.
The 14 Pacific Island States involved in the Study Visit include the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Niue, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The heads of key regional organisations in the Pacific, namely the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and Pacific Community (SPC) also attended.
Fifty years ago, Singapore was a third world country with high unemployment, poor infrastructure and low capital with no natural resources. It has since transformed into a first world metropolis and is one of Asia's leading economies today.
Singapore's total land area is 719.1 km2. In comparison, Tonga's total land area is 748km2, including the groups of Ha'apai, Vava'u, and the Niua's.