Endorsements

Statement of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

            I am pleased to fully support the intention of the Singapore National Group of the Permanent Court of Arbitration to nominate Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee for election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026.

            This will be the first time a Singaporean is nominated for election as an ICJ Judge since Singapore joined the United Nations in 1965. Ambassador Lee is a distinguished practitioner of international law, who is well-known to the international community. As President of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), Ambassador Lee demonstrated able leadership of the negotiations which led to the consensus adoption of the BBNJ Agreement. This exemplifies Singapore’s proud tradition as a thought leader in the law of the sea, and a trusted bridge-builder in the international community.

            Ambassador Lee has over three decades of public service including as a diplomat in The Hague; a legal advisor to and negotiator for the Singapore Government across the full spectrum of international law, particularly law of the sea, climate change and environmental law, international humanitarian law, human rights law, and disarmament law; and as Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. She has also served as an elected member of the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority, and is a Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

            Ambassador Lee embodies the spirit of impartiality, integrity, and independence of mind invoked in the solemn declaration that all ICJ Judges make before assuming their duties. If elected, she will also enhance the diversity of representation and perspectives on the bench. I hope we can count on your support.

Statement of Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Mr K Shanmugam SC

           I am proud to endorse the intention of the Singapore National Group to the Permanent Court of Arbitration to nominate Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026.

            As a small State, Singapore is steadfastly committed to promoting and advancing the international rule of law. The ICJ, as the United Nations’ principal judicial organ, plays a vital role in this regard. To this end, we are backing this intended nomination of Ambassador Lee to be a Judge at the ICJ.

            Ambassador Lee has distinguished herself in various capacities in the Singapore Government, as a legal advisor and diplomat. Most recently, as the Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, she has led her team to strengthen and elevate Singapore’s position as a leading intellectual property hub.

            In each role, Ambassador Lee brings with her deep legal expertise, an unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law, a vision for growth and development, and importantly, sensitivity to differing views.

            Ambassador Lee’s nomination underscores Singapore’s enduring commitment to the primacy of international law. It also reaffirms Singapore’s staunch support for the ICJ’s important role in upholding international law, fostering the peaceful resolution of disputes, and safeguarding the interests of all countries.

            I am confident that Ambassador Lee would continue making valuable contributions to the development of international law as a Judge of the ICJ. She has Singapore’s full support.

Statement of Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong SC

           I am pleased to endorse the intention of the Singapore National Group to the Permanent Court of Arbitration to nominate Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027 – 2036 term.

           The ICJ faces an unprecedented level of interest and engagement from States, with its caseload at the highest that it has ever been. This demonstrates the continued trust that States place in the Court as an institution and its key role in resolving disputes peacefully.

           As a staunch defender of an inclusive and rules-based multilateral system, Singapore has a responsibility to support and further strengthen the principal judicial organ of the United Nations system.  The ICJ must continue to remain strong and effective in upholding the fundamental principles of international law that underpin global peace and security. This is the driving force behind the Singapore government’s nomination of a candidate to the ICJ for the first time, to ensure that the bench continues to have well-qualified Judges who serve with integrity.

           Singapore is privileged to have found an outstanding candidate in Ambassador Lee, who combines her immense legal expertise with a principled approach in order to develop thoughtful solutions. Ambassador Lee brings a breadth of practical legal experience as a government advisor, diplomat and international law expert. She has demonstrated her ability to bridge consensus across different legal traditions and cultures, and to deliver practical results through her leadership as the President of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). These qualities combine with her legal expertise to make her eminently suitable as a Judge of the ICJ.

           I wholeheartedly endorse Ambassador Lee for a seat on the ICJ and hope you will join us in supporting her candidacy.