United Nations in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Malaysia:

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21 June 2021

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

There has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now. Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean.

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06 September 2021

Join 100 days to #BeatPlasticPollution

Plastic waste is choking our seas and coasts, threatening ecosystems, livelihoods, and lives in South-East Asia. Due to Covid-19, we are now fighting a plastic pandemic of new waste created from ‘new norms’ of plastic consumption such as the use of single-use plastics including personal protective equipment (PPE). South-East Asia is at the heart of this marine plastic pollution challenge. Six of the top 20 polluters of marine litter are in South-East Asia, making the region a major hotspot of plastic pollution. We hope to spark a movement led by South-East Asian sustainability advocates to combat the triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution that the region is facing. ‘100 Days to #BeatPlasticPollution’ will mobilise digitally connected youth to adopt habits that will help turn the tide on the plastic pandemic. Research shows that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. Through this campaign, people are challenged to choose one simple habit that can be sustained for 100 days, and kept for life, to #BeatPlasticPollution. By raising awareness and building community around plastic marine litter across the focus countries, the intentions are: To grow public and consumer demand for plastic pollution reduction; To achieve mass public support for strengthening policy and fiscal incentives to reduce virgin plastic use and divert plastic from landfills; and To promote a deep understanding of circular economy principles by encouraging recycling and plastic segregation at the source. Our target audience is digitally connected youth who are 13-25 years old across South-East Asia – Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Overall, the campaign will promote behavioural change among consumers and private-sector corporations, thereby creating an enabling space for policy development. 100 Days to #BeatPlasticPollution is developed by the SEA circular project (an initiative of UNEP and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) and is implemented in partnership with the Clean Seas campaign, to create region-wide awareness on plastic pollution and public support for policies to change plastic value chain management. Learn more by clicking the link - https://www.unep.org/events/campaign/100-days-beatplasticpollution

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16 September 2021

UNGA: High Level Week: September 2021

Under the theme ‘Building Resilience through Hope’, and against the background of the COVID pandemic and global insecurity, the General Assembly’s opening will underscore the need for greater urgency and ambition to end the pandemic and ensure an equitable and green recovery and accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. As we work to end the pandemic everywhere and reboot the global economy, the choices we make will either secure human, economic and environmental health for generations to come, or reinforce old patterns that are destroying nature and driving societal division. An inclusive, sustainable and resilient COVID-19 recovery is critical to setting the world on course toward a just transition to a 1.5°C pathway that will also create jobs, reduce inequalities and improve health and food security, benefiting people, planet and the economy. Our greatest challenge - which is at the same time our greatest opportunity - is to use this crisis to turn the tide, pivot towards a better future for all, leveraging increased and more effective international cooperation. In addition to the General Debate, this year’s meeting will kick off a series of international UN conferences in 2021 that are expected to highlight action and solutions that will ignite the transformations needed to secure healthy, peaceful and prosperous lives for all. Find out more here

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16 September 2021

From K-Pop heroes to net zero: 5 things to look out for at UNGA 76

The 76th session of the UN General Assembly is due to begin on 14 September, and it will be very different from 2020’s fully virtual gathering. UNGA 76 will still be overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that won’t stop leaders (some of them in the Assembly Hall) from addressing urgent global challenges. 1) To be or not to be (at the GA in person) The format of this year’s UN General Assembly session (UNGA 76) is a reflection of the current state of the world: a gradual return to in-person meetings, with plenty of delegates staying online, but also a desire to return to some version of normality, leavened by a recognition that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Following last year’s virtual UNGA, some Heads of State will be coming to UN Headquarters in New York to deliver their set-piece General Debate speeches at the podium, whilst the majority stay at home to deliver their messages via video. One of the most valuable aspects of UNGA for Heads of State and other senior government officials, is the chance to have informal, one-on-one meetings with their counterparts, away from prying eyes. This opportunity was sorely missed last year, and private “bilateral booths” have been set up.
While it is still unclear which government leaders will turn up in person you can, of course, follow our coverage of the debate on the main UN News website, and watch the proceedings live as ever, on UN Web TV. 2 A K-Pop moment, and a vaccine booster On the subject of COVID-19 vaccinations, the mantra of the World Health Organization (WHO) has been “no-one’s safe until everyone’s safe”: in other words, richer countries, which are making great strides in inoculating the majority of their citizens, need to ensure that the populations of poorer countries are also protected. However, this is clearly not happening, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the WHO. On 20 September, as part of the “SDG Moment” of the Decade of Action (the UN’s push to deliver sustainable solutions to the world’s biggest challenges), he will discuss the current state of the global roll-out of vaccinations, with Achim Steiner, the head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and Vera Songwe, who runs the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Will BTS break the internet? Again? The all-day event will also feature a performance by Korean superstars, and friends of the UN, BTS.
The seven-piece K-Pop group has been partnering with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) since 2017 on the Love Myself campaign to end bullying, and promote self-esteem. The I.T. team at the UN will doubtless be on tenterhooks as 20 September approaches, mindful of the huge internet traffic BTS attracted during their previous visit to the General Assembly in 2018, and when their video message was released at last year’s virtual GA - both of which left the system struggling to cope. 3) Hungry for change: cooking up new food systems The last year has seen a fresh impetus at the UN on the need to overhaul food systems, defined as everything involved in getting healthy and nutritious meals, from crops to meat, onto our plates. This new push was instigated by the decision of UN chief António Guterres to create the first UN Food Systems Summit, which takes place on 23 September. Several experts have warned that the current global food system is actively harmful to the planet and global population. Announcing the summit, Mr. Guterres said that food systems are “one of the main reasons we are failing to stay within our planet’s ecological boundaries”. Food systems emit around a third of global greenhouse gases; cause deforestation and cause around 80 per cent of biodiversity loss. On top of the environmental destruction, shockingly, around a third of all food produced each year is lost or wasted.
The aim of the summit is to develop strategies to combat global challenges such as hunger, climate change, poverty and inequality; and create new food systems that benefit all people and protect the planet. 4) Weathering the ‘threat multiplier’ storm: climate and security The climate crisis is now recognized as an issue that is not just an environmental problem, but an existential crisis that affects us all: the UN has described climate change as a “threat multiplier”, which is adding stress to the economic, social, and political systems of every country. For example, drought in the Sahel region of North Africa is a contributing factor in conflict, displacing populations facing hunger and limited livelihood prospects.
Studies have linked climate change to the Sudanese civil war, as well as more recent events such as the war in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, and the growth of armed conflict in the Lake Chad basin, a water source shared by several countries, which has shrunk by some 90 per cent since 1960. UN News will report on a special Security Council debate on climate and security, due to take place on 23 September. 5) A net zero sum game: clean, reliable energy Questions surrounding energy are at the heart of efforts to tackle the climate crisis, so it may be surprising that the last global gathering on energy held under the auspices of the UN General Assembly, took place 40 years ago. So, it’s high time for a new one, The UN High-level Dialogue on Energy on 24 September. It’s taking place in a world that views the use of fossil fuels and renewable energy, very differently than it did in the 1980s. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN’s blueprint for a cleaner, fairer future. Another challenge due to be discussed at the event will be how to bring harmful greenhouse gas emissions, the drivers of climate change, down to net zero by 2050. It’s a big task, requiring ambitious actions starting right now. This is why nations, regions, businesses, NGOs and others will be asked to present “Energy Compacts”, setting out voluntary commitments and concrete plans explaining how they’re going to make it happen. Look out for a LIVE UN News blog of the event, taking in contributions from activists, senior officials, and leaders. UN WebTV [ http://webtv.un.org/] Facebook [@UNwebTV] Twitter [@UNwebTV] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/UNITEDNATIONS]

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12 September 2021

“Our Common Agenda” report looks ahead to the next 25 years

Read the report of the Secretary-General on Our Common Agenda. A moment for reinvigorating multilateralism The UN’s 75th anniversary in 2020 arrived at a time of great upheaval and peril. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States came together to recognize that our challenges are interconnected and can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism with the United Nations at the centre of our efforts. They pledged to strengthen global governance for the sake of present and coming generations and, to that end, requested the Secretary-General to report back with recommendations to advance our common agenda and to respond to current and future challenges. If the world is to recover from COVID-19 and we are to deliver on our promises to future generations - to secure a world where everyone can thrive in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet – then 2021 must be the year we change gear. Member States identified 12 areas of action that can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism. We must think big. We need to reshape the foundations and reaffirm the core values that underpin collective action. Time is of essence and the choices before us are stark. Our welfare, and indeed the permanence of human life, now depend on us working effectively together across borders and sectors to manage many shared risks and achieve a vital set of common goals, including but not limited to, those set out in the UN75 Declaration. A global consultation process In response, we embarked upon a process of reflection, engaging a broad array of stakeholders, including Member States, thought leaders, young people, civil society and the UN system and its many partners. Our Common Agenda builds on many of the ideas that emerged during the year-long global listening exercise conducted in the context of the 75th anniversary where more than 1.5 million people in all 193 Member States voiced strong public support for international cooperation, and a desire for more effective, more inclusive and more networked multilateralism in the future. This report synthesizes key ideas that emerged during the reflection process and offers suggestions on how to take them forward. Based on these findings, we launched an extensive consultation process including four different tracks: 1. Member States Working with the President of the General Assembly and partners, including inclusive, informal networked breakfast series accross 12 UN75 themes hosted by UN Foundation 2. Thought Leaders Visionary thinking from a diversity of eminent thought leaders around the world and across different regions on reinvigorating multilateralism for accelerating progress on global commons 3. Young Thinkers Innovative ideas from young thinkers and active citizens under the age of 30 to explore a reimagined social contract and a new global deal for next and future generations as part of the international system 4. We the Peoples Artificial Intelligence-enabled worldwide digital consultations, following up from UN75 global dialogues, to gather inputs, galvanize networks, innovate bold ideas, and activate champions to achieve Our Common Agenda priorities An Inclusive Approach Our Common Agenda is led by the Executive Office of the Secretary-General with support from the UN Foundation and Igarapé Institute, along with a network of partners from all regions engaging a diverse ecosystem of global experts, youth, civil society, parliamentarians, private sector, universities and think tanks.

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Press Release

15 September 2021

Message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol began life as a mechanism to protect and heal the ozone layer. It has done its job well over the past three decades. The ozone layer is on the road to recovery. The cooperation we have seen under the Montreal Protocol is exactly what is needed now to take on climate change, an equally existential threat to our societies. The Montreal Protocol is more than just an example of how multilateralism can and should work, it is an active tool to help meet our global vision for sustainable development. Under the Kigali Amendment to the Protocol, nations have committed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases used as coolants. When fully implemented, the Kigali Amendment could prevent 0.4 degrees Celsius of global warming this century. Furthermore, as we prepare for the Food Systems Summit this month, we are reminded that the Kigali Amendment can also help us to increase food security. By reducing HFCs, increasing energy efficiency and creating more ozone- and climate-friendly technologies, the Kigali Amendment can bring sustainable access to vital cooling services to millions of people. Such services would reduce food loss in developing countries, where food often spoils before it can reach markets. Getting produce from farmers to where it is needed would help reduce hunger, poverty and the environmental impact of the agricultural sector. Another important benefit of expanding cooling is storage of medicines and vaccines, such as are needed to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment show us that by acting together, anything is possible. So let us act now to slow climate change, feed the world’s hungry and protect the planet that we all depend on.

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Press Release

03 July 2021

New MIT study says United Nations Pause Campaign slows spread of life-threatening misinformation

A major part of that work is the UN’s Pause campaign, which encourages people to pause to check the validity of any information they share. Now, a new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) says the Pause campaign can bring about the behavioural change needed to stop the spread of misinformation. The MIT study, conducted in the UK and the US, found that the simple act of pausing to question the origin, credibility, relevance and accuracy of any information before sharing it on phones, computers and social media platforms, significantly reduced people’s propensity to share misinformation. In the study, participants who saw Pause campaign content were notably less likely to share fake headlines. “The monumental task of tackling misinformation belongs to all of us. It is about how we can come together to drive social change, shifting behavioural norms and tapping into people’s sense of solidarity to keep each other safe,” said Melissa Fleming, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. “The MIT study shows that pausing before sharing is not only possible but also the responsible thing to do, especially in an age where it has become hard to separate the truth from the lies.” The Pause campaign, created in collaboration with Purpose, a social impact agency, is part of the wider Verified initiative launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in May 2020 to deliver trusted COVID-19-related medical and science information and advice, and stop the spread of misinformation. According to the World Health Organization, in the first three months of 2020 alone, nearly 6,000 people were hospitalized because of COVID-19 misinformation. The Pause campaign, which reached nearly 1 billion people in 2020, is redoubling its efforts to empower more people to share information responsibly. The new phase of the campaign asks the world to take the #PledgetoPause and flood the Internet with the pause symbol. Guided by research, the campaign is built on the premise that by interrupting, even for a few seconds, the impulse to share something we see -- an urge often fuelled by emotions such as excitement, anger, sadness, elation, and even altruism -- we allow ourselves time to think more critically. Better judgement prevails and fewer bogus claims are circulated. In the words of the UN Secretary-General: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the wrong information can be deadly. Take the pledge to pause and help stop the spread of misinformation.” ABOUT VERIFIED Verified is a United Nations initiative, in collaboration with Purpose, that aims to empower people around the world with science-based information during the Covid-19 response. Working with UN agencies, influencers, civil society, businesses, and social media platforms, Verified creates and distributes trusted, accurate information and encourages consumers to change their media consumption practices to reduce and stop the spread of misinformation online. Website: https://shareverified.com/en/ ABOUT PAUSE CAMPAIGN Launched as a part of the UN Verified initiative, the Pause Campaign draws on research from psychologists, neuroscientists and behavioural scientists whose studies indicate that pausing to reflect before sharing can significantly help to reduce the spread of unverified and misleading information. The overall campaign, which was launched a year ago, challenges people to break the habit of sharing shocking or emotive content impulsively and without questioning its accuracy. Website: https://pledgetopause.org CONTACTS UN Department of Global Communications Devi Palanivelu | palanivelu@un.org | +1 917 495 5424 Purpose Jennifer Minard | jennifer.minard@purpose.com | +44 787 242 7706

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Press Release

15 June 2021

Strengthening Resilience and Ending Vulnerability in Small Island Developing States

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face a shared set of geographical, environmental, economic, and social challenges, and suffer from unique development needs and extreme vulnerability. Frequent exposures to natural hazards and disasters intensified by climate change and external economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are detrimental to these island nations. The Joint SDG Fund announces a call for proposals focusing on strengthening resilience and ending the vulnerabilities of SIDS to accelerate the SDGs. The overall funding envelope for this Call is US$30 million. All SIDS countries are eligible to receive funding, including countries previously funded in the Joint SDG Fund’s existing portfolios. Intended to be catalytic, funding will support targeting programmatic solutions of 2 years or less, with a budget of US$1 million per country. Multi-Country Offices will be eligible for funding envelopes corresponding to the countries and populations they serve and be reviewed on case by case basis. This Call for Proposals will support a new generation of transformative, Government-led, integrated initiatives that leverage the best expertise and resources possible to address complex problems and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. “We must work together to ensure that the [Decade of Action] delivers for Small Island Developing States. In addressing climate change, enhanced ambition and action are both a priority and a driver of the Decade . . . we need small island developing States leadership more than ever.” - United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed Governments face challenges in accessing financing for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation and funding modern and resilient social protection systems. Vulnerable groups have been proportionally hit harder by the recent economic crisis. Furthermore, the skills-gap and the impacts of COVID-19 has resulted in higher levels of youth unemployment. Sustainable growth will require economic diversification and higher participation from a skillful workforce. To prevent disasters, advance the economy and enable the public sector to deliver services to people and enterprises, access to modern innovative technologies, led by digitalization are critical. In line with the implementation of UN reform agenda, UN Joint Programmes supported by the Fund will demonstrate a new generation of collaboration for results, embedded in the UN Cooperation Frameworks and committed to enhanced national ownership, leadership, and capacities. The strength in partnerships builds resilience and reduces vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States to leave no one behind.

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04 May 2021

Statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet

A free, uncensored and independent press is a cornerstone of democratic societies. It can bring life-saving information in moments of crises; provide a basis for public participation; and help ensure accountability and respect for human rights. World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate this fundamental work. Especially today, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, in which a group of African journalists set out key principles for press freedom. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clearer that critical reporting on government policies or public figures is all too often met with prosecution. Laws adopted or applied to restrict and criminalise disinformation during the pandemic have also been used by States to target journalists. Around the world, people have increasingly taken to the streets to demand their economic and social rights, as well as an end to discrimination and systemic racism, impunity, and corruption. Journalists fulfilling their fundamental role of reporting on these social protests have intolerably become targets. Many have been victims of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force by law enforcement, arbitrary arrests, and criminal prosecution. Attacks, arrests and the criminal prosecution of a journalist has an additional chilling effect of dissuading other journalists from critically reporting on relevant issues. In this way, they impoverish public debate and hamper our ability to respond effectively to societal challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of journalists and media workers will be crucial for the world to recover better from the devastation of this crisis. Objective, trusted, fact-checked news will counter disinformation; help ensure resilient and sustainable solutions to current challenges; demand transparency and accountability; foster trust in institutions. Contributing to humanity’s well-being, accurate information is a public good. The silencing of a journalist is a loss to society as a whole. In order to fully celebrate the bravery of journalists in their determination to keep the public informed, we must demand that their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.

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