‘Slightly Encouraged’: Vivian Balakrishnan Reflects on a Hectic UN General Assembly

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reflects on a frenetic week at the UN General Assembly, saying he leaves New York “slightly encouraged” despite a world he described as increasingly disrupted and potentially dangerous. From US-China relations and the anticipated Trump-Xi meeting to conflicts around the world, the discussions highlighted the growing challenges facing the international community.

Dr Balakrishnan also addresses the opportunities and risks posed by artificial intelligence, as well as the difficult task of navigating an increasingly fractured global landscape. For Singapore and other small states, he says the challenge is not to remain on the sidelines, but to continue making their voices heard— consistently, constructively and with relevance.

While acknowledging that the world's most difficult problems will not be resolved in a single week or even a year, Dr Balakrishnan says the willingness of countries to put their concerns, ambitions and red lines on the table remains an important step. Watch the video for his reflections on the week that was, and what it means for Singapore's place in a rapidly changing world.

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