Impact of US' Withdrawal from International Bodies on Singapore's Interests

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs following the United States' recent withdrawal from various international bodies (a) how will the withdrawals impact Singapore's interests; and (b) how will the Government work with partners to sustain the viability of these institutions, specifically those headquartered here or where Singapore holds leadership roles.

My response addresses both the Oral Parliamentary Question by Mr Yip Hon Weng in today's Order Paper and a question for written answer on the same subject by Mr Gerald Giam scheduled for a later Sitting [Please refer to ​"Impact of US' Withdrawal from International Organisations on Singapore and Resultant Contribution Changes", Official Report, 4 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 16, Written Answers to Questions section.].

The United States (US) has withdrawn from 66 International Organisations, including 31 United Nation (UN) entities. The immediate direct impact on Singapore is limited. However, there will be long-term impairment of the collective management of the global commons. For example, the loss of US leadership, funding and technology will set back the world's capacity to deal with climate change and pandemics.

The new world order is still evolving and new platforms for partnership are developing. Many countries, including Singapore, support international cooperation on climate change, as well as other issues like global health. Singapore will continue to work with these countries to shape international norms and promote cooperation. The US remains a part of many other major international entities. We will continue to encourage constructive collaboration with the US and other countries in those areas.

Of the 66 entities from which the US is withdrawing, there are two which have established premises in Singapore. First, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre. Second, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) which has its Southeast Asia Hub located in Singapore. The GFCE works with Singapore's Cyber Security Agency and other partners to deliver cyber capacity-building programmes to countries in the region. For both ReCAAP and GFCE, the US' withdrawal is likely to have minimal impact on their funding and operations within the region. Singapore will continue to work with like-minded countries to support these entities.

Member states' annual contributions to the UN's regular budget are based on an agreed scale of assessment, which is reviewed every three years. Singapore remains strongly committed to the UN Charter and will continue to support international law and the multilateral system.