Singapore urges strategic UN reform and a results-focused next secretary-general

Vivian Balak Krishnan told delegates that effective multilateralism requires institutions that "can deliver," and he called for strategic UN reform that strengthens equal standing among member states.

"Reform must be strategic, not merely fiscal. Reform must strengthen the equal standing of all members," Krishnan said, and he urged that the goal be a United Nations that delivers better and more equitably rather than a smaller UN for its own sake.

He welcomed the progress of an initiative referenced in his remarks (described as the UNAT initiative) and said the next secretary-general must lead a UN that turns cooperation into practical results and communicates those results effectively to people everywhere. Krishnan also paid tribute to the current secretary-general, calling him a "consistent voice" who has steered the organization through difficult years.

Krishnan framed Singapore's nomination of a candidate for the International Court of Justice (see separate item) as part of its ongoing contribution to the rule of law and to institutions that give effect to international law.