Singapore has been an active participant in the United Nations since joining in 1965. Singapore played an important role in the UN Law of the Sea Conference from 1980-1982. Singapore was also elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2001-2002. Additionally, Singapore has contributed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations since 1989. Membership in the UN has provided Singapore international recognition and helped with economic and social development through expert advice.

1. Diplomacy: International relations DONE BY: Jia Yi(2) Serene(11) Valerie(17)

2. Singapore’s Participation: UN UN, the United Nations was founded after WWII to preserve world peace In 1965, Singapore was admitted as the 117th UN member on 21 September.

3. UN Law of the Sea Conference Singapore played an important role in the UN law of the Sea Conference. Prof Tommy Koh, Singapore’s former representative to the UN, was the president of the Third UN conference in the Law of the Sea from 1980 to 1982. Helps to decide on the territorial rights of a country over its waters

4. Security Council Singapore was elected by the UN General Assembly to serve as a non-permanent Security Council member for two years from 2001 to 2002. Role is to maintain international peace and security. Singapore served as the President of the Council during its term of office.

5. UN peacekeeping operations Singapore has been involved in UN’s peacekeeping efforts since 1989. By 2005, Singapore as involved in 13 operations in 11 different countries and contributed approximately 1500 personnel for these UN Missions.

6. Benefits of international relations to Singapore Building international relations with other countries helped Singapore to be able to depend on other countries in times of need. As Singapore is a small country, hence, it is important that we maintain close ties with countries that are able to help should we be threatened or attacked by other countries. Building international relations with other countries have also let Singapore enjoy better trade benefits, which can make up for our inherent lack of resources.

7. Benefits: The UN membership allowed Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state the UN helped Singapore by sending experts to advise and help in the economic and social development of the country. An economic expert, Dr Albert Winsemius from the UN helped Singapore in its industrial planning and development from the period of its independence in the late 1970s. Joining the UN also enables Singapore to monitor world trends and collect valuable information.

8. Why is it more beneficial? UN membership is the most important for Singapore as it means that Singapore is not under the rule or control of any country. Or else, Singapore may be attacked by any foreign power or even regional neighbours; especially as she is so small and vulnerable.

9. Bilateral relations only beneficial to Singapore and the country concerned and hence is less important Though regional relations like ASEAN has ensured peace in the SE Asian region, it would not ensure that the other countries outside the region are in good ties with Singapore.