EU–Singapore Think Tank Dialogue on Multilateralism

30.04.2021

Strengthening Multilateralism: The EU–Singapore Think Tank Dialogue 2021 on May 11 & 12 explores challenges and opportunities for cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Singapore

The online Dialogue is co-organised by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore (ISEAS), Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI), and Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP).

Multilateralism – broadly understood as a form of institutionalized interaction between several states to achieve agreed-upon goal(s) – is an essential tool and process of global political and economic cooperation. Ideally, the number of states involved should be as large as possible. On-going challenges such as the climate crisis and the global health challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic have demonstrated this. There is a need to strengthen the process and institutions of multilateralism and global cooperation, in particular for small states which are otherwise not in a position to exercise any influence. Recognising these challenges, in 18 February this year the EU put forward a set of policy proposals to strengthen its contribution to rules-based multilateralism. The Joint Communication lays out the EU’s expectations of and ambitions for the multilateral system. This Dialogue provides a unique opportunity to explore these challenges in the context of EU-Singapore relations.

On May 11, Barbara Plinkert, Ambassador of the European Union to Singapore and Mr Choi Shing Kwok, Director and CEO of ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute deliver the opening remarks. Ambassador Vanu Gopala Menon, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia delivers the keynote address.

Over the next two days, panels discuss:

- Understanding Multilateralism and opportunities for EU, Singapore and ASEAN collaboration
- New Ambitions for the United Nations and the role of the EU, Singapore and ASEAN

- Can the WTO Accommodate 21st Century Challenges? Perspectives from the EU, Singapore and ASEAN

- New Vision for Multilateral Development Banks – an outlook from the EU, Singapore and ASEAN perspective

See the sessions and speaker line-up here: https://bit.ly/32YeQhw

Day 1: Tuesday, 11 May 2021

2pm–4.50 pm (Singapore time)/8am–10.50 am (Central European Time)

Register here.

Day 2: Wednesday, 12 May 2021

2pm–4.45 pm (Singapore time)/8am-10.45 am (Central European Time)

Register here.

Registration: This two-day Dialogue will entirely be online. Register and receive your unique link for the webinars. Limited spaces are available, register early to avoid disappointment.

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