Tommy Koh – författare

South China Sea Disputes and Law of the Sea explores in great detail the application of specific provisions of UNCLOS and how the framework of international law applies to the South China Sea. Offering a comprehensive analysis of the individual topics and their application to the South China Sea region, each chapter of the book provides a substantive and rigorous investigation into the history, development and application of the relevant legal principles. It is written within the global context so that lessons learned from this exercise will have global implications. Contributors include former judges from ITLOS, legal advisors to States who participated in the negotiation and drafting of UNCLOS, as well as outstanding scholars of both law and geography, many of whom have acted as counsel or experts in cases before international court and tribunals.This important book provides neutral and objective analysis of law of the sea issues of relevance to the South China Sea and will therefore prove a valuable resource to Government officials and policy-makers from the ASEAN countries, Australia, China, Japan, Korea and the United States. It will also be of special interest to political analysts with an ongoing interest in the legal issues pertaining to the South China Sea region in light of concerns regarding conflict, challenges to freedom of navigation and access to resources.Contributors: D. Anderson, Y. van Logchem, T.L. McDorman, A.O. Elferink, B. Oxman, C. Schofield, C.R. Symmons, T. Treves

Transboundary Pollution: Evolving Issues of International Law and Policy provides a comprehensive and perceptive overview of the legal principles that govern pollution internationally and explores the utilization of these principles in practice.Legal principles regarding State responsibility for transboundary pollution are well settled in international law. At issue is how these principles are applied and what mechanisms are developed to regulate specific types of transboundary pollution, including pollution of the marine environment and shared water resources, nuclear pollution and air pollution.Expert contributors come together in this book to discuss all major aspects of transboundary pollution and the practical application of the State responsibility doctrine. Empirical studies of European, Asian and Southeast Asian countries demonstrate regional perspectives of how international law and policy governing transboundary pollution translates into practice.Academics, students and practitioners alike will benefit from the perceptive and discerning insight the book presents into this important issue within international law, environmental law and public policy.Contributors: R. Beckman, A. Boyle, H.C. Bugge, G. Handl, L. Hua, S. Jayakumar, T. Koh, Y. Lyons, S.C. McCaffrey, J. Peel, H.D. Phan, C. Redgwell, N.A. Robinson, L.M. Syarif, A.K-.J.Tan, S. Tay

Bringing together leading experts on the law of the sea, The South China Sea Arbitration provides a detailed analysis of the significant aspects, findings and legal reasoning in the high-profile case of the South China Sea Arbitration between the Philippines and China.The book offers a comprehensive overview and analysis of the major issues discussed in the Arbitration including jurisdiction, procedure, maritime entitlement, and the protection of the marine environment. The chapters also explore the implications of the case for the South China Sea disputes and possible dispute settlements under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The robust discussion in each chapter will be an invaluable contribution to the ongoing debate on the South China Sea Arbitration.This informative and compelling book will be essential reading for scholars and students of public international law, law of the sea, international dispute settlement and international relations. Policy makers and governmental officials with responsibility for law of the sea and international dispute settlement, as well as members of international courts and tribunals, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, will find this book a stimulating read.Contributors include: R. Beckman, T. Davenport, E. Franckx, L.Q. Hung, S. Jayakumar, S. Kaye, T. Koh, Y. Lyons, M.H. Nordquist, N. Oral, H.D. Phan, J.A. Roach, C Symmons

Freedom of the seas and passage rights is a highly topical subject for the international community that cuts across a broad spectrum of scholarly disciplines and maritime operations. The contents of the book include in-depth analysis of current international and regional approaches to freedom of navigation, transit passage through straits used for international navigation, archipelagic sea lanes passage, scientific research and hydrographic surveys in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), military surveys in the EEZ, as well as vessel source pollution and protection of the marine environment. Many of the chapters describe measures in place at multilateral and regional levels to improve information sharing and operational coordination. This collection will especially appeal to those concerned with freedom of the seas and passage rights. The CD accompanying the volume includes important documents such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as well many PowerPoint presentations delivered at the conference. It also includes a draft index to the multi-volume series United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982: A Commentary.This book contains the edited papers and associated documents from the 32nd annual Virginia conference held in Singapore, January 9-10, 2008. Presentations were delivered by government officials, senior naval and coast guard commanders as well as by leading jurists and academics with impressive expertise in the law of the sea.

This volume represents a first dialogue between European and Asian economists concerning the common outlook of the two continents following the financial crisis which struck Asia in 1997.The papers in this volume were presented at the ASEF/CEPII conference in Paris in May 1998, which brought together Asian and European economists and economic practitioners for an open and critical appraisal of the nature and causes of the crisis, and the role which the enhanced Asian-European relationship might have in addressing the future. Several Asian countries and major multi-lateral organisations (the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Bank for International Settlements, and the OECD) were represented.Among the issues addressed are the consequences of the crisis for international trade, investment and growth, at both the regional and the global level, and the architecture of the globalised, international financial system which has undergone a new crisis due to events in Asia. Conclusions are drawn concerning the evolution of the monetary and financial turmoil, and solutions for the future of the region and for its relations with Europe are considered.This volume aims to preserve the lively nature of the discussion and the cultural diversity of the presentations, while capturing the current state of the debate on the crisis.

The European Union is the most successful regional organisation in the world. ASEAN is the most successful regional organisation in Asia. The story of the important and multi-faceted relationship between these two organisations has seldom been told. This is the first book about the relationship, written from the ASEAN perspective. It contains essays from all the ten ASEAN countries. The book describes the many areas in which ASEAN and the EU have convergent interests and, the few areas in which they have divergent views. The book also looks to the future and suggests some possible areas of cooperation. The Foreword is written by Singapore's Foreign Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

The European Union is the most successful regional organisation in the world. ASEAN is the most successful regional organisation in Asia. The story of the important and multi-faceted relationship between these two organisations has seldom been told. This is the first book about the relationship, written from the ASEAN perspective. It contains essays from all the ten ASEAN countries. The book describes the many areas in which ASEAN and the EU have convergent interests and, the few areas in which they have divergent views. The book also looks to the future and suggests some possible areas of cooperation. The Foreword is written by Singapore's Foreign Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

Singapore and India established diplomatic relations in August 1965. However, their ties date as far back as the 10th century. The last half century has seen a blossoming of their relationship. The two countries' warm and substantive friendship is based upon history, economics, defense cooperation and a high degree of mutual trust. The relationship is quite unique because a significant portion of Singapore's population consists of ethnic Indians and an Indian language, Tamil, is one of Singapore's official languages.The book brings together 52 of Singapore's thought leaders. They come from different sectors of the Singapore's society. Each of them has written an essay on India's past or present or future. Each essay is short, easy to read and full of insight and humour. One of the writers is Singapore's Senior Minister, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a person who is admired both in Singapore and in India. The book includes essays on Nalanda University, Amaravati, India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. On the lighter side, the book contains two charming essays by Ambassador Karen Tan and Eirliani Abdul Rahman on their time in India.The book's foreword is written by Mr Goh Chok Tong, Singapore's second Prime Minister. It was Mr Goh who overcame prejudice and inertia and launched a new beginning in Singapore-India relations.This publication is a candid reflection of India and India-Singapore relations by Singaporeans who carry the hope that India will rise above its challenges to join the ranks of the great nations of the world. It will be of interest to Singaporeans who are interested in India and Indians who are interested in Singapore.

Singapore and India established diplomatic relations in August 1965. However, their ties date as far back as the 10th century. The last half century has seen a blossoming of their relationship. The two countries' warm and substantive friendship is based upon history, economics, defense cooperation and a high degree of mutual trust. The relationship is quite unique because a significant portion of Singapore's population consists of ethnic Indians and an Indian language, Tamil, is one of Singapore's official languages.The book brings together 52 of Singapore's thought leaders. They come from different sectors of the Singapore's society. Each of them has written an essay on India's past or present or future. Each essay is short, easy to read and full of insight and humour. One of the writers is Singapore's Senior Minister, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a person who is admired both in Singapore and in India. The book includes essays on Nalanda University, Amaravati, India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. On the lighter side, the book contains two charming essays by Ambassador Karen Tan and Eirliani Abdul Rahman on their time in India.The book's foreword is written by Mr Goh Chok Tong, Singapore's second Prime Minister. It was Mr Goh who overcame prejudice and inertia and launched a new beginning in Singapore-India relations.This publication is a candid reflection of India and India-Singapore relations by Singaporeans who carry the hope that India will rise above its challenges to join the ranks of the great nations of the world. It will be of interest to Singaporeans who are interested in India and Indians who are interested in Singapore.

India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1992. In 1995, India became a full Dialogue Partner. In 2002, ASEAN and India held their first Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Since then, a bilateral Summit has been held annually.India's relations with Southeast Asia date back a thousand years. There are many cultural, religious and people-to-people linkages between India and the 10 ASEAN member states. Trade and investment ties have also grown since the opening of the Indian economy in the early 1990s. Relations are good but not optimal.ASEAN and India: The Way Forward hopes to inspire policymakers on both sides to understand the multifaceted relationship and explore ways to raise the bilateral ties to a higher peak.The book first traces the evolution of ASEAN-India relations over the centuries. It then examines the key areas of convergence and divergence between ASEAN and India. The final part explores the emerging areas where ASEAN and India can deepen their cooperation.

India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1992. In 1995, India became a full Dialogue Partner. In 2002, ASEAN and India held their first Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Since then, a bilateral Summit has been held annually.India's relations with Southeast Asia date back a thousand years. There are many cultural, religious and people-to-people linkages between India and the 10 ASEAN member states. Trade and investment ties have also grown since the opening of the Indian economy in the early 1990s. Relations are good but not optimal.ASEAN and India: The Way Forward hopes to inspire policymakers on both sides to understand the multifaceted relationship and explore ways to raise the bilateral ties to a higher peak.The book first traces the evolution of ASEAN-India relations over the centuries. It then examines the key areas of convergence and divergence between ASEAN and India. The final part explores the emerging areas where ASEAN and India can deepen their cooperation.

This book is a must-read for all who love nature and the environment. It contains 50 inspiring essays written by Singaporeans and friends who share their perspectives, expertise and experience — as scientists, lawyers, economists, engineers, bankers, government officers, and civil society — all linked by a love for nature, for the environment, and for Singapore. The essays focus on the protection and preservation of Singapore's rich biodiversity (primates, colugos, otters, butterflies, dragonflies, stick-insects, birds, coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses); efforts to save special areas (the Lower Peirce Reservoir, Chek Jawa, Sungei Buloh, the Rail Corridor and the first marine nature reserve); the contributions of NGOs (Nature Society, Herpetological Society, Waterways Watch Society); and the efforts of scholars, the government and the private sector to ensure a clean and green City in Nature, amidst the challenges of limited space and climate change.

This book is a must-read for all who love nature and the environment. It contains 50 inspiring essays written by Singaporeans and friends who share their perspectives, expertise and experience — as scientists, lawyers, economists, engineers, bankers, government officers, and civil society — all linked by a love for nature, for the environment, and for Singapore. The essays focus on the protection and preservation of Singapore's rich biodiversity (primates, colugos, otters, butterflies, dragonflies, stick-insects, birds, coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses); efforts to save special areas (the Lower Peirce Reservoir, Chek Jawa, Sungei Buloh, the Rail Corridor and the first marine nature reserve); the contributions of NGOs (Nature Society, Herpetological Society, Waterways Watch Society); and the efforts of scholars, the government and the private sector to ensure a clean and green City in Nature, amidst the challenges of limited space and climate change.

The unexpected end of the Cold War in 1991 was marked by the dissolution of the Soviet Union into 15 free and independent states. Amid this newfound independence, these countries, which were once subject to Soviet control, were faced with the presence of Russian troops in their territories — some of which were still hosting Russian military bases. There was also a question about the future of Russian veterans and retirees living in some of the countries and who did not want to return to Russia. In 1993, the United Nations sent me to help the three Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, come to an agreement with Russia on those matters. This is my story.

A disease that has given globalization a bad name, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), has plagued no fewer than 30 areas in recent months. In this book, for the first time, leading scientists and researchers converge to shed light on the impacts and implications of this new global threat.Collected together within the volume are more than 20 articles that discuss and examine the SARS outbreak from wide-ranging perspectives — political, social, economic and health. The reader is given insights into how the SARS outbreak has altered public and political understanding of the threat of infectious disease in general. There are lessons for global public health that have emerged from the response to SARS, especially as they pertain to preparedness for the next new disease.Informative but not heavy, insightful but not overwhelming, The New Global Threat: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Its Impacts is an indispensable source of information for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the hitherto unknown disease — students, academics and corporate leaders alike.

A disease that has given globalization a bad name, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), has plagued no fewer than 30 areas in recent months. In this book, for the first time, leading scientists and researchers converge to shed light on the impacts and implications of this new global threat.Collected together within the volume are more than 20 articles that discuss and examine the SARS outbreak from wide-ranging perspectives — political, social, economic and health. The reader is given insights into how the SARS outbreak has altered public and political understanding of the threat of infectious disease in general. There are lessons for global public health that have emerged from the response to SARS, especially as they pertain to preparedness for the next new disease.Informative but not heavy, insightful but not overwhelming, The New Global Threat: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Its Impacts is an indispensable source of information for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the hitherto unknown disease — students, academics and corporate leaders alike.

On 1 January 2004, the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) came into force. The USSFTA was the result of a two-year negotiation process which started towards the end of the Clinton Administration and concluded under the Bush Administration. How did the negotiation process straddle the two administrations? What is the rationale for the FTA? What were the unique features of the negotiating process? Was negotiating with the US different from negotiating with other countries? How will the FTA benefit the two countries? What is the impact on ASEAN, APEC and the WTO?This book captures some of the personal insights thrown up in the negotiations and offers highlights and analysis of the USSFTA. Contributors to the volume include the Chief Negotiators of the two delegations, the US and Singapore Ambassadors, key negotiators and close observers of the process. Selected key documents pertaining to the USSFTA process have also been included. This book is a comprehensive reader on the story behind the negotiations of the USSFTA.

2005 was the 40th anniversary of Singapore's independence. This collection of essays by Singapore's past and present diplomats tells the remarkable story of how this small and vulnerable country has become a stable, prosperous and respected member of the international community. The essays include those from the late President Wee Kim Wee and President S R Nathan as well as seminal contributions from the four former Foreign Ministers - Mr S Rajaratnam, Mr S Dhanabalan, Mr Wong Kan Seng and Professor S Jayakumar. The current Foreign Minister, Mr George Yeo, has written the foreword. The absorbing stories about people, places and international politics make this book a highly enjoyable read for all who are interested in Singapore, its history, and foreign policy.In the stories contained in this book you will find and discover:

On the historic occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2007, the leaders of the ten-member countries signed the ASEAN Charter. This is an important milestone for the regional group as the Charter will make ASEAN stronger, more united and more effective. The Charter embodies the ASEAN community's purposes and principles, organs and decision-making process; a new legal personality; a system for the settlement of disputes; and an ASEAN Human Rights Body.The Making of the ASEAN Charter captures the insiders' views of the drafting of the Charter and hence is a must-read for anyone interested in ASEAN, international law and the art and science of negotiations.

On the 8th of August 2017, ASEAN will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding. ASEAN is of great importance to Singapore, the region and the world.In 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN in short, was founded by five countries in Southeast Asia which had just gained independence from their former colonial masters, united by a determination for the region to live in peace and stability. Singapore was one of the five founding members of ASEAN, together with Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. The grouping was joined later by Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), and finally, Cambodia (1999). ASEAN is today a very successful inter-governmental organization which promotes peace, stability, economic development and regional integration.This volume brings together 46 essays written by Singaporeans who have played a part in the partnership between ASEAN and Singapore. The reader will be able to glean an insight into the workings of ASEAN and Singapore's contributions to ASEAN through the lens of diplomats, academics, civil society leaders and officials.

On the 8th of August 2017, ASEAN will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding. ASEAN is of great importance to Singapore, the region and the world.In 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN in short, was founded by five countries in Southeast Asia which had just gained independence from their former colonial masters, united by a determination for the region to live in peace and stability. Singapore was one of the five founding members of ASEAN, together with Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. The grouping was joined later by Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), and finally, Cambodia (1999). ASEAN is today a very successful inter-governmental organization which promotes peace, stability, economic development and regional integration.This volume brings together 46 essays written by Singaporeans who have played a part in the partnership between ASEAN and Singapore. The reader will be able to glean an insight into the workings of ASEAN and Singapore's contributions to ASEAN through the lens of diplomats, academics, civil society leaders and officials.

The most important of Tommy Koh's writings on the Law of the Sea are brought together in Building a New Legal Order for the Oceans. As the president of the third United Nations Conference on the NUS Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he shares his unique perspective on the UNCLOS negotiation process, and the concepts, tensions and intentions that underlie today's Law of the Sea. There could be no better guide to this aspect of international law than Koh.UNCLOS contains the modern law of the sea. It has been called a constitution for the oceans. It contains many new concepts of international law, such as, the Exclusive Economic Zone, Archipelagic State, Straits Used for International Navigation, Transit Passage, Archipelagic Sealane Passage, the Common Heritage of Mankind. Koh explains these and other concepts.Peace at sea is made possible by UNCLOS.  Koh discusses current threats to maritime security. He explains the intricacies of the disputes in the South China Sea. What can be learned from the success of UNCLOS? How can we build on that success, and manage the new tensions that arise in the Law of the Sea?

This is the sequel to the bestselling book, The Little Red Dot, published in 2005. While the first volume consisted of a collection of essays by Singapore's first- and second-generation diplomats, this second volume contains essays written by the third generation of young ambassadors. The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim, has contributed the Foreword. Written in an entertaining and accessible manner, this book is a highly enjoyable read for all who are interested in Singapore current affairs and in the art and science of diplomacy. It contains many inspiring stories which have not been told before.

This is the sequel to the bestselling book, The Little Red Dot, published in 2005. While the first volume consisted of a collection of essays by Singapore's first- and second-generation diplomats, this second volume contains essays written by the third generation of young ambassadors. The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim, has contributed the Foreword. Written in an entertaining and accessible manner, this book is a highly enjoyable read for all who are interested in Singapore current affairs and in the art and science of diplomacy. It contains many inspiring stories which have not been told before.

Professor Tommy Koh is Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rector of Tembusu College, Special Adviser of the Institute of Policy Studies, and Chairman of the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore.In his distinguished career, Prof Koh has served as Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as Ambassador to the United States of America, as President of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee and the Main Committee of the UN Conference on Environment and Development. He was the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. He chaired two dispute panels for the WTO. He was also Singapore's Chief Negotiator for the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He was also the chairman of the group which drafted the Asean Charter. He chairs three committees for the National University of Singapore relating to law, Asia research and environmental management. An active patron of the arts, Prof Koh has served as Chairman of the National Heritage Board, National Arts Council and many other cultural groups.In recognition of his meritorious public service and achievements, he was conferred many honours, both locally and internationally. He has been named as ‘Champion of the Earth’ in 2006 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Prof Koh has been selected to receive Harvard's 2014 Great Negotiator Award sponsored by the Program on Negotiation based at Harvard Law School (an interuniversity consortium of Harvard, MIT, and Tufts) as well as Harvard's Program on the Future of Diplomacy.This collection of Prof Koh's favourite essays and lectures gives the reader an insight into his illustrious academic and diplomatic career. The volume also includes his articles on diplomacy and international law, art, culture, heritage, nature and environmental issues.

Professor Tommy Koh is Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rector of Tembusu College, Special Adviser of the Institute of Policy Studies, and Chairman of the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore.In his distinguished career, Prof Koh has served as Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as Ambassador to the United States of America, as President of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee and the Main Committee of the UN Conference on Environment and Development. He was the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. He chaired two dispute panels for the WTO. He was also Singapore's Chief Negotiator for the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He was also the chairman of the group which drafted the Asean Charter. He chairs three committees for the National University of Singapore relating to law, Asia research and environmental management. An active patron of the arts, Prof Koh has served as Chairman of the National Heritage Board, National Arts Council and many other cultural groups.In recognition of his meritorious public service and achievements, he was conferred many honours, both locally and internationally. He has been named as ‘Champion of the Earth’ in 2006 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Prof Koh has been selected to receive Harvard's 2014 Great Negotiator Award sponsored by the Program on Negotiation based at Harvard Law School (an interuniversity consortium of Harvard, MIT, and Tufts) as well as Harvard's Program on the Future of Diplomacy.This collection of Prof Koh's favourite essays and lectures gives the reader an insight into his illustrious academic and diplomatic career. The volume also includes his articles on diplomacy and international law, art, culture, heritage, nature and environmental issues.

The first two volumes of The Little Red Dot series covered a wide range of views about Singapore's diplomacy by Singaporean diplomats. This new addition to the series offers a complementary perspective of Singapore and its bilateral relations, through the eyes of past heads of missions from foreign countries who have served as ambassadors to Singapore. The reader will be able to glean insights from the foreign diplomats who took an active role in getting to know Singapore, and at the same time, also worked hard to promote their respective countries' interests. As seen from their perspectives, the reader can learn more about what was unique about Singapore, what they learnt and what made their postings to Singapore memorable. These candid reflections will allow Singaporean readers to understand how different elements of our country are often seen as a whole, and how that in turn contributes to the impressions that our foreign friends have of Singapore. Often cited by the contributors are the success of Singapore's economic development, our cohesive multi-cultural and multi-religious society, our good governance, our education system and opportunities for the young. These aspects that are highlighted, among others, are what makes Singapore unique and they are also important to Singapore's future. There were, of course, some critical comments on some aspects of our culture and political arrangements. We should evaluate them with an open mind, always willing to learn from our friends.

The first two volumes of The Little Red Dot series covered a wide range of views about Singapore's diplomacy by Singaporean diplomats. This new addition to the series offers a complementary perspective of Singapore and its bilateral relations, through the eyes of past heads of missions from foreign countries who have served as ambassadors to Singapore. The reader will be able to glean insights from the foreign diplomats who took an active role in getting to know Singapore, and at the same time, also worked hard to promote their respective countries' interests. As seen from their perspectives, the reader can learn more about what was unique about Singapore, what they learnt and what made their postings to Singapore memorable. These candid reflections will allow Singaporean readers to understand how different elements of our country are often seen as a whole, and how that in turn contributes to the impressions that our foreign friends have of Singapore. Often cited by the contributors are the success of Singapore's economic development, our cohesive multi-cultural and multi-religious society, our good governance, our education system and opportunities for the young. These aspects that are highlighted, among others, are what makes Singapore unique and they are also important to Singapore's future. There were, of course, some critical comments on some aspects of our culture and political arrangements. We should evaluate them with an open mind, always willing to learn from our friends.

In 2015, Singapore marks the 50th anniversary of its independence, and the United Nations (UN) the 70th anniversary of its founding. This book celebrates 50 years of a mutually beneficial relationship between Singapore and the UN.In the early years of Singapore's independence, the UN system provided Singapore with many benefits which were helpful in Singapore's journey from the Third World to the First. As Singapore has made progress in its developmental journey, it is now able to give back to the international community through programmes such as the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), under which officials from developing countries are offered training in areas which are beneficial to their countries. Singapore has actively contributed to improving global governance and strengthening institutions that are important to the management of global issues at the UN, IMF, World Bank, IMO, etc. The Singapore Government has also sent its soldiers and police officers to participate in UN's peace-keeping and peace-making operations.This volume brings together 45 essays by Singaporeans who have made or are making important contributions to the work of the UN system. The reader will be able to learn about the UN as seen through the eyes of Singaporeans who have served as Ambassadors to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, the World Trade Organization, or as professional staff in the various specialised agencies, programmes and funds that are part of the UN. We hope that the life stories and experiences shared by the essayists will remind readers that although Singapore is a very small country, we are a good global citizen and have tried to make this a better world.