Singapore has called for renewed international cooperation and stronger global rules as geopolitical tensions, conflicts, trade barriers and rapid technological change put pressure on the existing multilateral system.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan made the case during Singapore’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 26, arguing that countries still need shared rules and institutions to manage problems that cannot be addressed effectively by individual states acting alone.
Balakrishnan identified three priorities for making multilateralism more effective: upholding international law, reforming existing international institutions and developing new rules and institutions for emerging technologies.
He specifically pointed to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, saying international rules governing the oceans serve the interests of both large and small economies. Singapore has also emphasized the importance of open sea lanes as disruptions to major shipping routes can affect energy supplies, prices and global supply chains.
The minister said smaller regional and bilateral arrangements can complement global institutions when broader agreement is difficult. He cited agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as examples of mechanisms that can reduce trade barriers and strengthen supply-chain resilience while remaining connected to the wider multilateral system.
Artificial intelligence was another major focus of the speech.
Balakrishnan described AI as one of the most urgent areas requiring international cooperation, arguing that technological capabilities are advancing faster than governments’ understanding of the risks. He identified potential concerns including loss of control over autonomous systems, malicious use of AI for biological or other weapons, and wider economic, social and political disruption.
Singapore proposed exploring a UN Framework Convention on AI Safeguards. The proposal would provide an international framework for countries to develop common principles and cooperation mechanisms around AI safety.
Balakrishnan also suggested that the international community may eventually need a dedicated institution capable of carrying out functions such as developing common technical standards and verification mechanisms. He pointed to existing international bodies in telecommunications and nuclear governance as examples of how specialized institutions can support international cooperation.
The proposal comes as governments and technology companies are increasingly discussing common standards for advanced AI systems, including methods for testing models and reporting serious incidents across borders. International discussions have also intensified over risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems.
Singapore’s position places particular emphasis on keeping humans responsible for the technology. Balakrishnan said AI governance should include safeguards that ensure people ultimately remain in control and accountable for how advanced systems are used.
Beyond AI, Balakrishnan called for reform of the UN itself. He said institutional changes should strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver results while preserving the equal standing of its member states. Singapore supports the ongoing UN80 reform initiative but has argued that reform should focus on improving effectiveness rather than simply reducing costs.
The speech comes amid a period of heightened geopolitical tension, with conflicts, trade restrictions, climate pressures and strategic competition placing greater strain on international institutions.
For Singapore, the emphasis on multilateralism also reflects the country’s long-standing reliance on international rules and open trade as a small, highly connected economy.
The push for international AI safeguards now adds a new dimension to that diplomatic approach. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important to economies and national security, Singapore is arguing that the technology should be governed through common international rules rather than fragmented national systems.
The next challenge will be turning those principles into practical agreements on AI testing, safety standards, incident reporting and institutional responsibilities — areas where countries will have to find common ground despite growing strategic competition.
