Articles
Forward Singapore (Steward Pillar): rallying Singaporeans to take collective actions for environmental sustainability
19 July 2023
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, joined partners from the public and private sectors at the launch of Go Green SG on 30 June 2023.
This was part of the Forward Singapore engagement under the Steward pillar, which focuses on fostering a more sustainable way of life for the future of Singapore. DPM Wong was also joined by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, Minister of State for Education, Ms Gan Siow Huang, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Baey Yam Keng.
Addressing the challenge of climate change
In his opening remarks, DPM Wong said that Singapore is already experiencing the effects of climate change and will increasingly face higher temperatures, sea levels, and more erratic weather. These phenomena will threaten Singapore’s food and water security and increase Singapore’s risks of flooding.
DPM Wong with the students from Mee Toh Primary School and volunteers from Punggol Shore urban farm, one of the partners of Go Green SG. (Photo by: MCI / Amos)
DPM Wong noted that Singapore alone cannot solve the climate challenge. Given the enormity of these challenges and the threat it poses to the nation’s future, he said that the Government is collaborating with like-minded countries on international platforms to tackle some of these problems.
Building a greener Singapore is a key priority for me and my team in the Government… we are currently undertaking the Forward Singapore exercise – to review our policies comprehensively, and to refresh our social compact… a key part of a fairer and more equal compact in Singapore is that we don’t just look after the needs of Singaporeans today, but we also ensure a better and greener future for Singaporeans tomorrow.— DPM Lawrence Wong delivering his opening remarks at the launch of Go Green SG on 30 June 2023.
Going green as a nation
DPM Wong said that while the Government can create and implement the right policies, and establish the necessary infrastructure to facilitate Singapore’s green transition, he emphasised the need for every Singaporean to take individual and collective actions, to build a greener and more sustainable future.
DPM Wong visiting the various booths set up by partners of the Go Green SG at Mee Toh Primary School on 30 June 2023. (Photo by MCI / Amos)
DPM Wong also called on community groups and businesses to do their part for the environment, by promoting sustainable living and developing more environmentally friendly practices.
To fully realise this green future, we will also need everyone to make lifestyle adjustments and adopt more sustainable habits. Whether it is by taking more public transport, reducing our energy consumption at home, or making a bigger effort to recycle, all of these actions can have a meaningful impact on our environment.— DPM Lawrence Wong delivering his opening remarks at the launch of Go Green SG on 30 June 2023.
Through Go Green SG, he hoped that Singaporeans and organisations can step forward and take meaningful actions contributing towards Singapore’s green future. He also encouraged Singaporeans to participate in the various sustainability-themed activities throughout July and be inspired on how everyone can do part.
DPM Wong speaking to students from Mee Toh Primary School at the launch of Go Green SG on 30 June 2023. (Photo by MCI / Amos)