UAE and Singapore can be partners for a world in transition

In nine months, the UAE will host the World Expo in Dubai. With more than 190 countries taking part, Expo 2020 will provide an important platform for an inclusive conversation on the most pressing global challenges. The unprecedented interconnectedness of our world, brought about by technological advancements over the past 10 years, makes this task all the more urgent. Five trends in particular will dominate headlines and command global attention in the years ahead. First is the changing dynamics between the US and China. The danger of the world’s two biggest economies decoupling has caused considerable anxiety around the world. It goes beyond the simple notion of a trade or technology war. Fundamentally, it belies a lack of mutual trust. This competitive dynamic is likely to continue beyond the 2020 US presidential elections, regardless of its outcome. It will have an impact on all countries, large and small.

In South-East Asia, we view such developments with great concern. None of us wish to be forced into making invidious choices. We want to continue working with the US and China for mutual benefit, and hope both sides will accommodate each other’s legitimate interests. At the same time, competition can be constructive and need not lead to conflict. If managed well, it can spur innovation and drive progress. We hope that both parties will find a way forward and recognise that their relationship need not be zero-sum.

Second is the eroding global consensus on globalisation. We see protectionist, isolationist and hyper-nationalist sentiments taking root in many countries across the world, with strong pushback against an open and integrated global economy. Such nativist sentiments have altered domestic political landscapes and given rise to inward-looking policies. The result has been an increasingly polarised world. Third is the irreversible march of technology. Widespread disruption brought about by AI, machine learning, and big data is a common cause uniting both developed and developing economies. AI will have a pervasive impact across all economic sectors and industries. It will also transform the way people live, the way cities function and how governments operate. The challenge facing all of us is to pre-empt and prepare for the digital revolution. This entails not only restructuring labour markets but fundamentally reviewing our approach to education.

Fourth is growing environmental risks. All countries contend with differing manifestations of a changing climate, such as extreme weather events, food shortages, or forced migration. As littoral states, both the UAE and Singapore feel our vulnerabilities against rising sea levels, which continue to climb at a worrying rate. The writer is the  Singapore’s minister for foreign affairs and minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative

Forging a global consensus towards combating climate change and promoting sustainable development remains a challenging task. Many countries, including Singapore, support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as part of the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. However, progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals needs to be expedited through closer cooperation with all stakeholders, including the private sector.

 

UAE and Singapore can be partners for a world in transition

In nine months, the UAE will host the World Expo in Dubai. With more than 190 countries taking part, Expo 2020 will provide an important platform for an inclusive conversation on the most pressing global challenges. The unprecedented interconnectedness of our world, brought about by technological advancements over the past 10 years, makes this task all the more urgent. Five trends in particular will dominate headlines and command global attention in the years ahead. First is the changing dynamics between the US and China. The danger of the worlds two biggest economies decoupling has caused considerable anxiety around the world. It goes beyond the simple notion of a trade or technology war. Fundamentally, it belies a lack of mutual trust. This competitive dynamic is likely to continue beyond the 2020 US presidential elections, regardless of its outcome. It will have an impact on all countries, large and small. In South-East Asia, we view such developments with great concern. None of us wish to be forced into making invidious choices. We want to continue working with the US and China for mutual benefit, and hope both sides will accommodate each others legitimate interests. At the same time, competition can be constructive and need not lead to conflict. If managed well, it can spur innovation and drive progress. We hope that both parties will find a way forward and recognise that their relationship need not be zero-sum. Second is the eroding global consensus on globalisation. We see protectionist, isolationist and hyper-nationalist sentiments taking root in many countries across the world, with strong pushback against an open and integrated global economy. Such nativist sentiments have altered domestic political landscapes and given rise to inward-looking policies. The result has been an increasingly polarised world. Third is the irreversible march of technology. Widespread disruption brought about by AI, machine learning, and big data is a common cause uniting both developed and developing economies. AI will have a pervasive impact across all economic sectors and industries. It will also transform the way people live, the way cities function and how governments operate. The challenge facing all of us is to pre-empt and prepare for the digital revolution. This entails not only restructuring labour markets but fundamentally reviewing our approach to education. Fourth is growing environmental risks. All countries contend with differing manifestations of a changing climate, such as extreme weather events, food shortages, or forced migration. As littoral states, both the UAE and Singapore feel our vulnerabilities against rising sea levels, which continue to climb at a worrying rate. The writer is the Singapores minister for foreign affairs and minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative Forging a global consensus towards combating climate change and promoting sustainable development remains a challenging task. Many countries, including Singapore, support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as part of the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. However, progress towards the UNs Sustainable Development Goals needs to be expedited through closer cooperation with all stakeholders, including the private sector.