Ambassador Rena Lee, an expert in international law with over 30 years of experience, has been nominated by Singapore for a potential historic representation of ASEAN at the ICJ.
Singapore has officially put forward Ambassador Rena Lee as its candidate for the position of Judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term spanning 2026–2036. The nomination was announced on January 9, 2025, during an event attended by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, in Singapore.
Minister Balakrishnan praised Ambassador Lee’s extensive expertise and long-standing contributions to international law. “Ambassador Rena Lee is a distinguished professional who has dedicated over three decades to advancing legal frameworks that strengthen global governance. Her candidacy underscores Singapore’s commitment to contributing to international peace and justice,” he said.
Ambassador Rena Lee is well-known for her work on maritime law, treaty negotiations, and multilateral diplomacy. She has represented Singapore on numerous international platforms, including the United Nations, and has earned respect for her ability to navigate complex legal issues with integrity and professionalism.
In her remarks, Ambassador Lee expressed her dedication to upholding the core values of the ICJ. “If entrusted with this responsibility, I will work independently, professionally, and impartially to fulfill the expectations of this esteemed role,” she said.
This nomination holds particular significance for ASEAN, as the region has not had representation on the ICJ in nearly 50 years. If elected, Ambassador Lee would not only break this long absence but also bring a fresh perspective informed by Southeast Asia’s unique geopolitical and legal challenges.
The International Court of Justice, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized international organizations. Singapore’s nomination of Ambassador Lee reflects its belief in her capability to make impactful contributions to the ICJ’s mission of promoting peace through the rule of law.
The election for ICJ judges will take place in late 2025, with candidates being voted on by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Ambassador Lee’s nomination is expected to receive strong support from both Singapore and the broader ASEAN region, emphasizing the growing role of Southeast Asia in global governance.
Source: H.E. Suryo Pratomo, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore
