Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon delivering Singapore’s country statement at the 7th East Asia and Pacific Ministerial Consultation on Children.

t was a startling revelation for the delegates at the 7th East Asia and Pacific Ministerial Consultation on Children, that in 1979, Siem Reap was once a rural undeveloped place inhabited by just 70 persons. In less than three decades, Siem Reap was transformed into a city with more than 70 hotels. This was one of the interesting observations that the Singapore delegation, headed by Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, the Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, was acquainted with while attending this Ministerial Consultation held in Siem Reap from 23-25 March 2005.

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s passionate address and candid sharing of the harsh conditions faced by the Cambodian children during the war and the despotic rule of Pol Pot a few decades ago, left a deep impression on the delegates. His speech was a timely exhortation of how critical stability is, to create and ensure a conducive environment for our children to grow and develop to the best of their abilities.

Bilateral meetings with Australia, Vietnam and Timor-Leste

Apart from the presentations and conference proceedings, Mrs Yu-Foo also had the opportunity to convene informal bilateral discussions with Vietnam, Australia and Timor-Leste.

The Ministerial Consultation culminated with the adoption of the Siem Reap Angkor Declaration by all participating countries. The Declaration signified the continued commitment of countries to adhere to sound policies and practices to promote and sustain the welfare of children in the region.