Special Address by Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore | DAVOS AGENDA 2021 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Prime Minister Lee discusses the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of global cooperation, and the need for stable great power relations.

Key Insights

• 🛟 The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive disruption to lives and livelihoods worldwide.
• 💪 Global cooperation and strong public health measures are essential in controlling the pandemic and facilitating economic recovery.
• 😮 The rise of populism, protectionism, and nationalism has put pressure on globalization and multilateral institutions.
• 🌐 The U.S.-China relationship is crucial for global stability and must be reset to avoid a prolonged clash.
• 💦 Climate change poses a significant threat, and countries must work together to address it effectively.
• ♿ Technology offers great opportunities, but efforts must be made to ensure inclusive access and prevent widening inequalities.
• 👶 Singapore is adapting its economic strategy to the post-pandemic world through lifelong learning initiatives and the development of new industries.

Transcript

Read and summarize the transcript of this video on Glasp Reader (beta).

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the key challenges highlighted by Prime Minister Lee in his address?

Prime Minister Lee emphasized the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the need for global vaccination efforts and the importance of maintaining public health measures. He also discussed the rise of populism, protectionism, and nationalism, as well as the urgent need to address climate change.

Q: How does Prime Minister Lee view the relationship between the United States and China?

Prime Minister Lee considers the U.S.-China relationship to be the most important bilateral relationship in the world. He believes that both countries need to reset the tone of their interactions and work together through established rules and norms to avoid a generational struggle. He emphasizes the importance of regular constructive dialogue between the two powers.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Singapore's economic strategy?

The pandemic has highlighted the need for Singapore to adapt its economic strategy and prepare for a post-pandemic world. Prime Minister Lee emphasizes the importance of trust between the government and the people, as well as the need for lifelong learning and the development of new industries, such as those related to Industry 4.0 and the digital economy.

Q: How does Prime Minister Lee propose addressing the inequalities created by technological advancements?

Prime Minister Lee believes that technology should be seen as part of the solution rather than a threat. He emphasizes the importance of inclusive access to technology and highlights Singapore's efforts to provide access and education to older generations. Globally, he advocates for affordable access initiatives and partnerships to ensure that poorer countries are not left behind.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Lee reflects on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of vaccination and public health measures to control the virus.

• He emphasizes the need for countries to work together to build a more resilient and globalized world and discusses the challenges of globalization, including populism and protectionism.

• Prime Minister Lee stresses the urgent need to address climate change and the importance of stable great power relations, particularly between the United States and China.