Rena Lee Elected As First Singaporean Judge To The World Court

A Historic Milestone For Singapore

Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee has achieved a historic milestone by being elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice. This appointment marks the first time a Singaporean national has served on the court and the first time a woman from Southeast Asia has been elected to this prestigious body. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Law, highlighting the significance of the achievement for the small city-state on the global stage.

Ms Lee, who is 57 years old, secured one of five available seats on the 15-judge court. Her term is scheduled to run from 2027 to 2036, with her official duties beginning in February 2027. The election process took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where voting was conducted across two primary bodies: the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. The Singapore government provided full backing for her candidature, with high-ranking officials traveling to New York to reiterate their support and host a reception for her ahead of the vote.

Overwhelming International Support

The election results demonstrated a strong level of global confidence in Ms Lee’s legal expertise and impartiality. In the UN General Assembly, she secured the highest number of votes among the candidates, receiving 151 out of 191 votes. Her success continued in the UN Security Council, where she earned 13 out of 15 votes, tying for the joint-highest number of votes in that body. By securing an absolute majority in both voting organs, Ms Lee’s election reflects a broad international consensus regarding her qualifications.

Following the announcement, the Singapore government expressed its congratulations, describing the event as a significant milestone. The Ministry of Law noted that the strong support from the international community reflects deep trust and confidence in Ms Lee’s abilities. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan described the election as a remarkable achievement and a moment of immense pride, particularly for a small state. He emphasized that her election underscores the importance of strong international institutions and the meaningful contributions that smaller nations can provide to the world stage during times of global strain.

A Career Of Legal Excellence

Ms Lee’s path to the court began with her candidature announcement in 2024, followed by her formal nomination in 2026. Her professional background is extensive, involving roles in several high-profile legal institutions. She currently holds positions within the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Panel of Conciliators of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. These roles have provided her with a breadth of experience that officials believe will be an asset to the court.

One of her most notable achievements was serving as the president of the UN Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. In this capacity, she led five years of complex, high-stakes multilateral negotiations. Her leadership was instrumental in the adoption of the landmark BBNJ Agreement in 2023, showcasing her ability to navigate intricate international disputes and reach consensus among diverse parties.

Law Minister Edwin Tong highlighted that the historic vote affirms the value Singapore places in upholding the international rule of law. He noted that international law serves as a common language that allows all states, regardless of size, to transact and resolve disputes peacefully. He further stated that the strength of the court is enhanced when its bench includes varied legal traditions and professional perspectives, which Ms Lee is expected to provide through her unwavering commitment to fairness and integrity.

Upon her election, Ms Lee expressed her deep honor and gratitude toward the countries that supported her. She acknowledged the vital role the court plays in the peaceful settlement of disputes and the upholding of international law, especially during periods of growing global uncertainty. She committed to serving her term with independence, impartiality, and integrity, aiming to contribute effectively to the court’s essential work in the coming decade.