Singapore and Multilateral Governance

Dr Noeleen Heyzer is the Institute of Policy Studies' 10th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. This book is an edited collection of her three IPS-Nathan Lectures, delivered in November and December 2021, and includes highlights of her question-and-answer segments with our audience.

Dr Heyzer examines how Singapore can continue to contribute to multilateral governance amid 21st century global challenges. Highly dependent on multilateral governance, Singapore has to engage the region and contribute to the multilateral global order. Dr Heyzer highlights the need for Singapore to build a mindset of "solidarity as self-interest", contribute to a normative future that is equitable, inclusive and sustainable, and rethink our current multilateral governance framework. What does a renewed multilateralism look like? Can Singapore become an epicentre for this new multilateralism? And critically, how can we secure our common future and shape what we become as a nation?

The IPS-Nathan Lecture series was launched in 2014 as part of the S R Nathan Fellowship for the Study of Singapore, named after Singapore's sixth and longest-serving president. It seeks to advance public understanding and discussion of issues of critical national interest for Singapore.

Sample Chapter(s)
Foreword

Related Links

• Straits Times: Gaza crisis spotlights need to revitalise multilateral system: UN veteran Noeleen Heyzer

• Foreword
• About the Moderators
• About the Cover Illustrator
• Lecture I — Grand Transitions: Our Multilateral Journey:
  • The Multilateral Moment
  • "Guardian of the Charter": Successes and Failures
  • Solidarity as Self-Interest
  • Question-and-Answer Session
  • Moderated by Mr Ho Kwon Ping
• Lecture II — Great Disruptions: The Struggle for Our Normative Future:
  • Four Great Disruptions
  • Rethinking Sustainable Recovery in the Covid-19 World
  • Normative Struggles for Our Future
  • Seizing the Opportunity for Change
  • Question-and-Answer Session
  • Moderated by Professor Tommy Koh
• Lecture III — Securing Our Future: A Renewed Multilateralism:
  • The Foundation of our Global Future
  • Networked-Inclusive-Effective Multilateralism
  • Securing Singapore's Future: An Epicentre of Multilateralism?
  • Conclusion
  • Question-and-Answer Session
  • Moderated by Professor Chan Heng Chee
• Bibliography