The effects of climate change further intensify Singapore’s vulnerability to transboundary environmental threats. To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on the global stage, NEA engages our ASEAN and international counterparts, and leverages bilateral and multilateral platforms to promote Singapore’s expertise in environmental management beyond our shores.
Making Waves on Tackling Marine Litter
Plastic marine litter is one of today’s most serious emerging issues. Without any countermeasures, the amount of plastic waste in the ocean will outweigh fish by 2050, posing a threat to the environment and our way of life.
NEA partnered the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct an inaugural run of 'Management of Waste and Reduction of Marine Litter' to address this global issue. Held from 1 to 5 March 2021, the course shared the experiences of Singapore and Japan in managing countermeasures against marine litter. A total of 19 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region engaged in robust discussions with trainers from NEA, Japan’s Institute of Developing Economy and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology on waste management strategies, measures and impact of marine litter and the importance of how enhanced regional cooperation could bring about reduction in land-based marine litter.
Developing Singapore’s Next Five-year Country Programme Framework
In 2020, NEA worked with various domestic stakeholders and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop Singapore’s five-year Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2021—2025. The CPF serves as a reference for the proposed technical cooperation between Singapore and IAEA.
For the CPF 2021—2025 cycle, the five thematic areas identified are nuclear and radiation safety and security; environmental monitoring; food safety; human health; and energy and industry. The document was signed by Singapore and the IAEA on 26 May 2021. Going forward, Singapore will use the CPF 2021—2025 to guide the development of and participation in IAEA technical cooperation projects to ensure that the outcomes for the national development priorities and needs stated are achieved.
Working Together with ASEAN Member States
NEA, representing Singapore, chaired the Fifth ASEAN Working Group on Chemicals and Waste (AWGCW) Meeting hosted by the Philippines via video conference on 6 August 2020.
The AWGCW was established in 2016, as a regional platform for ASEAN Member States to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation in addressing hazardous waste and chemical-related issues under the relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements, as well as to promote the sound management of hazardous waste and chemicals. It is one of seven working groups under the ASEAN cooperation on environment.
Stakeholder Engagement Highlight |
| While the exchange of visits in 2020 was not possible due to the pandemic, NEA continued to engage foreign counterparts through virtual platforms to exchange experiences and views in addressing environmental challenges. |