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:

Learn more

Story

28 August 2026

Explainer: UN peace operations work to create, preserve peace

Supporting the first democratic elections after brutal civil wars in Mozambique and Cambodia. Disarming thousands of child soldiers in Sierra Leone. Helping to secure Namibia’s independence from South Africa. These are some of the contributions of UN operations around the world to help countries transition from conflict to lasting peace.As the world faces the highest number of conflicts since 1945 and a rising death toll from war alongside peace operations increasingly deployed to contain violence rather than implement agreements, the UN and its Member States must adapt to ensure these missions remain relevant, Secretary-General António Guterres told the General Assembly on Wednesday.“UN peace operations are indispensable tools for maintaining international peace and security, but to be more effective, they must adapt to new realities,” Mr. Guterres said.At UN Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General presented the first ever review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations at the request of the landmark Pact for the Future and offered recommendations for the consideration of Member States on how the UN toolbox can be adapted to meet evolving needs and future challenges.What are UN peace operations?The Secretary-General’s review covers the wide spectrum of UN peace operations. That includes civilian special political missions and peace enforcement operations authorised by the Security Council – from a two-person office supporting a Personal Envoy to large, multidimensional peacekeeping operations.“United Nations peace operations are a critical form of multilateral action,” Mr. Guterres said.“They help defuse crises, stop conflict, sustain ceasefires and protect civilians. In lands stained by bloodshed, they create space for dialogue and open pathways to peace.”‘Blue Helmet’ landscapeSince 1948, the Council has been authorising UN peacekeepers to help conflict parties reach political solutions, prevent disputes from devolving into conflicts and reduce armed violence while the search for a political solution continues, with 11 active missions.Known colloquially as “Blue Helmets” for their distinctive uniform, UN peacekeepers are guided by three main principles: there must be consent of the parties to the conflict, impartiality and non-use of force except in self-defence or defence of their mandate.Their work can be dangerous – more than 4,500 UN peacekeepers have died in missions around the world – and their efforts have been widely recognised, including when they collectively received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 “for preventing armed clashes and creating conditions for negotiations”.Special political missionsSpecial political missions comprise civilian personnel deployed based on mandates from the Security Council to prevent conflicts, mediate peace discussions and support political transitions.They do not rely on large military or armed forces, but instead work with governments, conflict parties, regional organizations and civil society.The UN has deployed 167 such missions since 1948, with about 40 active in 2024, according to a review by the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Peace enforcementThe Security Council authorises peace enforcement operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which mandates them to apply a range of measures, including the use of military force.Unlike peacekeeping and special political missions, peace enforcement does not always require the consent of the conflict parties, and “Blue Helmets” do not directly participate.In a number of recent settings, such as Haiti, Mali and Somalia, UN peace missions have operated alongside Council-authorised peace enforcement operations by non-UN forces, carrying out mandates focused on supporting national political processes and wider peace consolidation tasks.Council-mandated peace support operations deployed by the African Union also fall under this category.Current state of affairsThe current operating environment for peace operations has deteriorated, the UN chief warned in his review.Conflicts have become more complex, comprehensive peace agreements are less common and funding has declined, with recent cuts slashing nearly half a billion dollars for peacekeeping and $96.3 million for special political missions, according to the report.For Mr. Guterres, peace operations cannot serve as an alternative for political will by the involved parties to end a conflict, although some current missions operate amid deadlocked talks and high violence.“No peace operation and no political process supported by the United Nations can succeed without solid and cohesive support from Member States,” he said.From drones to disinformationMr. Guterres said mission mandates for peace operations must be narrowly focused with achievable objectives, adaptable, cost-efficient, accountable – especially involving claims of sexual exploitation and abuse – and cooperative with Member States and UN offices.In practice, adaptation would mean more than rewriting mandates. The report calls for lighter and more mobile mission footprints, stronger data and threat analysis, technology to counter drones and disinformation and more measures to ensure peacekeepers’ safety.Mr. Guterres identified missions focused on peace in Colombia and a border dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria as examples of what peace operations can achieve under the right conditions.Looking into the futureThe Secretary-General’s review also contains dozens of recommendations to “reset peace operations for a new geopolitical era”, one marked by more wars, significant financial constraints and fragmented support for peacekeeping missions.Recommendations include:Prioritising the creation of conditions for political processes to advanceDeploying missions only around credible political purposesStrengthening partnerships with host StatesClarifying the division of labour between UN agenciesPlanning exit strategies and transition plans at the outsetAbove all, the future of UN peace operations relies on Member States’ continued belief that despite their flaws, they remain essential instruments of creating the conditions to end conflicts, according to the UN chief.“Together, we must build a shared vision of what each mission can achieve throughout its life cycle,” Mr. Guterres said.Original article can be viewed here

1 of 5

Publication

10 August 2026

UNESCO Snapshots (2024-2025) for Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Liaison Office to ASEAN

UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta is pleased to present its first Biennium Snapshots (2024–2025), offering a look at how the Office and its partners worked across Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste during the first two years of the Regional Support Strategy 2024–2027.Rather than organising the publication by UNESCO’s individual sectors, the Biennium Snapshots brings together activities under the Support Strategy’s three interconnected pillars: Adaptation to Climate ChangeCulture, Peace and Sustainable DevelopmentScience, Technology and InnovationThis structure reflects how UNESCO works in practice. The region’s most pressing challenges—from climate-related disasters and rapid technological change to threats to cultural heritage, media freedom and social inclusion—cannot be addressed through a single field of expertise. By connecting education, the sciences, culture, communication and information, UNESCO applies an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to support Member States and turn shared priorities into practical action.The publication also reflects UNESCO Jakarta's new role as Liaison Office to ASEAN — supporting cooperation across all eleven Member States and contributing to regional frameworks on platform governance and education.Explore the full Biennium Snapshots (2024–2025) to discover the achievements, partnerships and stories behind UNESCO Jakarta’s work across the region.

1 of 5

Story

14 July 2026

Why climate adaptation is Malaysia’s next investment frontier

As climate risks become financial risks, investing in resilience is essential to protecting economic growth, attracting capital and securing Malaysia’s long-term prosperity.Climate inaction has a price. And that price is increasingly measured through damaged infrastructure, disrupted businesses, vulnerable communities and lost economic opportunities.For too long, climate action has seen as an expense — something governments, businesses and societies must pay for. That assumption no longer holds true.Climate risks, once viewed as conceptual threats, are now financial liabilities. The choice facing economies is no longer whether they will pay for climate change. It is whether they invest today in adaptation or pay a far greater price tomorrow through recovery and rebuilding. This is not about absorbing additional costs. It is about avoiding greater ones.The countries and companies that succeed in the decades ahead will not simply be those that grow the fastest. They will be those that have built the capacity to adapt and recover from climate shocks in a more volatile world.The world has already demonstrated that change at scale is possible. For more than a century, global prosperity has been powered primarily by fossil fuels. But investment, innovation and policy choices are actively reshaping global energy systems with measurable impact.The speed of change has been significant. According to Ember’s Global Electricity Review, wind and solar generated less than 2 per cent of global electricity in 2010. By 2024, that share had increased to approximately 15 per cent, helping renewable sources overall reach a record 32 per cent of global electricity generation. This transformation did not happen by chance. It happened because policy, innovation and capital aligned. Between 2011 and 2020, approximately US$4.8 trillion in climate finance was mobilised globally, accelerating renewable energy, cleaner transport and low-carbon technologies.But this investment story remains incomplete.We already understand the value of investing in infrastructure before it fails. Climate adaptation must be treated the same way. The economics are becoming impossible to ignore. The United Nations estimates developing countries alone, will be required to invest between US$187 billion and US$359 billion every year to 2035 to adapt to climate change. It is worth noting, international public adaptation finance amounted to just US$27.5 billion in 2022. We are witnessing an extraordinary gap between the risks economies face and the protections being put in place.We know that finance can transform markets. The same ambition that accelerated the global energy transition must now be applied to protecting the foundations on which economic growth and human security depend. The calculation facing countries is changing. The question is no longer simply, “What will climate action cost?” — it is, “What will it cost our economies, communities and future prosperity if we fail to invest in adaptation now?” This shift matters for Malaysia.Malaysia has built one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies through decades of investment in infrastructure, industry, innovation and human capability. The next stage of growth requires investing with the same ambition in adaptation by protecting the systems and assets that prosperity depends on.That starts by recognising climate adaptation for what it truly is, a critical investment.A renewable energy project generates electricity that can be measured and sold. A restored mangrove forest prevents coastal damage that may never occur. A resilient drainage system protects communities from future floods. A healthy watershed strengthens long-term water security.One creates visible revenue: the other protects value. Preventing economic losses, avoiding disruption and building resilience all add value. The opportunity now is ensuring financial systems recognise this.Malaysia has already made important progress, strengthening climate commitments, expanding its sustainable finance ecosystem and establishing many of the frameworks needed to accelerate action. The next challenge is execution by turning ambition into investment.Around the world, capital is seeking credible, sustainable opportunities. The constraint is not the availability of finance. It is ensuring that climate priorities become investment-ready solutions capable of attracting capital at scale.Capital does not move towards problems. It moves towards opportunities. This is where the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is adding value. Across Malaysia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and globally, UNDP works with governments, financial institutions, businesses and communities to help convert climate ambition into investment-ready action. This means strengthening the policies and institutions that create confidence, while building the pipeline of projects investors can support.In Malaysia, UNDP’s long-standing partnership with the government is addressing national climate priorities, developing climate responses through the Nationally Determined Contribution process and helping to create financing approaches that turn commitments into implementation. Through initiatives such as the Climate Finance Network, UNDP is driving stronger design in investments, financing instruments and bankable climate solutions that enable public and private capital to move at greater scale.Public finance must also evolve. The scale of climate investment required cannot be met by government resources alone. The future role of public finance is not only to fund solutions, but to unlock them. When used strategically, public investment can reduce risk, build confidence, create markets and mobilise additional sources of capital. This is where tools such as blended finance, sustainability-linked instruments, insurance solutions and public-private partnerships become essential for building a resilient economy. All are areas where UNDP brings unique expertise in Malaysia, regionally and globally.The next generation of sustainable finance must expand how we define value by recognising climate adaptation as necessary for long-term economic and social resilience. But adaptation cannot stop at national infrastructure or natural systems. It must reach the businesses and communities that drive the economy.For Malaysia, this means supporting small and medium-sized enterprises that remain the backbone of growth, employment and innovation. Helping businesses understand climate risks, improve efficiency and access sustainable finance is not simply good environmental practice. It is an investment in competitiveness. A resilient Malaysia will not only be built through major infrastructure projects. It will be built when thousands of businesses and communities have the tools, financing and confidence to adapt to future climate shocks.

1 of 5

Story

12 August 2026

The Road He Crosses Every Week: One Boy's Case for Safer Streets in Bukit Indah

In Malaysia, every year, more than 6,000 people lose their lives in traffic accidents, an average of one death every 80 minutes (ESCAP). Behind each statistic is a family, a community, a journey that didn't end the way it should have.As of 2025, Iskandar Puteri is home to over 580,000 residents within its 402 square kilometre jurisdiction. More than one in four people here is under the age of 14 (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2020, 27.7%). Every day, hundreds of children walk to school, cross busy roads, and navigate streets and footpaths designed primarily for cars rather than the safety of young pedestrians. As one of the city’s most vulnerable groups, children’s needs and perspectives are often overlooked in urban planning .Navinesh, a twelve-year-old boy from the Bukit Indah neighbourhood in Iskandar Puteri, is one of them.Looking Through a Children’s PerspectiveEvery weekend, Navinesh and his father make the short drive from their home in Nusa Sentral to AEON Mall in Bukit Indah. When the carpark is full, which it often is, they park wherever they can find space, sometimes far from the entrance, and walk the rest of the way. That walk ends at a crossing: three lanes of moving traffic, cars travelling fast, and a painted zebra crossing that offers the appearance of safety without always delivering it.Navinesh has made this crossing dozens of times. And every time, he holds his breath a little."Cars speed a lot, and even the zebra crossing in front of the mall doesn't feel safe," he says. For most drivers passing through Bukit Indah, that crossing is barely a second of their journey. For a child on foot, it is something else entirely. It is a moment of vulnerability, quietly repeated, week after week, accepted as normal because no one had ever suggested it could be different.A Walk with a PurposeThat changed when the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) Project – Phase II arrived in Iskandar Puteri.Implemented by UN-Habitat and ASEAN, with support from the Australian Government through the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4ASEAN), the ASUS Project – Phase II works with cities across Southeast Asia to accelerate sustainable urbanisation, building more inclusive, connected, and people-centred urban environments. In Iskandar Puteri, that work centres on active mobility: how people walk, cycle, and move through the city safely and comfortably.In partnership with the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), the project organised a co-design workshop that did something unusual: it gathered 45 participants from city officials, planners, and schoolchildren outside together, and asked them all to step outside and experience the city together, observing its streets through different eyes. The technical walkabout took participants through the streets of Bukit Indah, stopping at key locations to observe how people actually experience and use public spaces. Children were not simply observers - they were active participants in the process. With UNICEF's support, they were equipped with the language, the tools, and the confidence to document their experiences, identify barriers, and share insights that adults might otherwise overlook. .Navinesh was one of them.Walking roads he had crossed dozens of times, but now with a clipboard, a facilitator beside him, and permission to speak, he saw everything differently. The zebra crossing near the mall that vehicles ignored. The absence of traffic signals at the busiest pedestrian points. The narrow margin between a crossing that looks safe and one that actually is."This is the first time MBIP discusses with school children about Bukit Indah's environment," he said, still visibly moved by it. "If MBIP didn't do this, cars would keep speeding and people couldn't cross safely."From Observer to AdvocateNavinesh didn't just notice problems. He came with solutions."Traffic lights should be installed at zebra crossings near the AEON Mall bus stop because cars tend to speed through," he said. His recommendations were specific, practical, and rooted in years of lived experience, the kind of insight that rarely surfaces in traffic studies or engineering reports. It came from someone who had stood at that crossing, felt the speed of passing cars, and understood intuitively, physically that a painted line on the road is not the same as protection.For the city officials walking alongside him that day, it was a quiet but powerful reminder: the most important data about how streets work often comes not from sensors or surveys, but from the people who use them. Why Road Safety Needs Children's VoicesRoad safety is most often treated as a technical problem, a matter of speed limits, signage, barrier design, and engineering standards. Those things matter. But they are designed and approved by people who rarely experience the road the way a child does: on foot, moving slowly, with less capacity to anticipate or react to fast-moving traffic.Children are among the most vulnerable road users in any city. They are smaller, less visible to drivers, and far less protected at the moments that matter most, the crossing, the curb, the gap between a parked car and a moving lane. And yet they are almost never present when road safety decisions are made.Iskandar Puteri City Council is working to close that gap by embedding child participation into its co-design methodology. In this effort, the city is supported by UNICEF’s expertise in child engagement, ensuring that it hears from its most vulnerable road users before plans are finalised, not after accidents happen. This approach is feeding directly into something concrete. With technical assistance from UN-Habitat, the city is developing a City Technical Proposal on active mobility, a dual-purpose document designed to serve both as a policy framework and a pre-feasibility study, integrated into MBIP's financial budget planning for 2027, with implementation targeted for 2028. The voices gathered during the walkabout, including Navinesh's, are part of the evidence base that will shape that plan.A Crossing That Should Feel SafeNavinesh's ask is not complicated. He wants traffic lights at the zebra crossing near AEON Mall. He wants cars to slow down. He wants to cross the road, the road he crosses every single weekend, without bracing himself.It is a simple request. It is also a precise diagnosis of a design failure that affects thousands of people every week, delivered by someone who has experienced it firsthand since he was old enough to walk beside his father.The ASUS Project – Phase II cannot install every traffic light or repaint every crossing in Iskandar Puteri. But it can do something equally vital: build the conditions in which a child's experience of road danger reaches the people with the power to act on it, and stays in the room long enough to shape policy.In Bukit Indah, that process has begun. City officials walked the same streets as Navinesh. They stood at the same crossing. They heard what he had to say. His observations are now part of a planning conversation that will eventually inform how this city's streets are designed, funded, and built.What happens next depends on political will, budget cycles, and institutional commitment. But the conversation, the one that had never happened before, has finally begun. And it all started by paying attention to how children experience the city.-ends-ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) Project – Phase II The ASEAN project “Accelerating the Implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy Phase II” (or “ASUS Project Phase II”) implemented by UN-Habitat with support from the Australian Government through the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (AUS4ASEAN), aims to accelerate sustainable urbanisation practices by implementing the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) in secondary and intermediate cities.Phase II continues to place ASUS at the centre of action for sustainable urbanisation in ASEAN whilst enhancing connectivity and activity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA) across the region.

1 of 5

Story

25 June 2026

A Fast and Fair Transition: How Malaysia is Advancing Climate Action, Energy Security and Resilience

"We have the enormous opportunity – and responsibility – to turn this Tale of Two Crises, into a single story of resolve, fairness and shared progress."– António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaking at the Global Energy Transition and Electrification Summit during London Climate Action Week, 23 June 2026.As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored during London Climate Action Week, the climate and energy crises must be addressed together and at their root. Continued reliance on fossil fuels exposes economies to volatile energy prices, geopolitical shocks and growing climate risks, while slowing progress towards sustainable development. The answer lies in a fast, fair and equitable transition to clean energy. In Malaysia, that transition is already taking shape through a growing set of policies and initiatives that link climate ambition with energy security, economic competitiveness and resilience.A key signal of this momentum is Malaysia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, submitted in 2025 ahead of COP30. The updated commitment strengthens national climate ambition by moving beyond an emissions-intensity approach towards an absolute emissions reduction target, with emissions projected to peak between 2029 and 2034 before declining by 15-30 MtCO₂eq by 2035 across all major sectors. This represents a significant shift and sends a clear signal that economic growth and rising emissions can no longer remain coupled.Delivering on climate commitments requires a practical pathway that aligns environmental objectives with economic priorities. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) therefore provides strategic direction for Malaysia’s broader economic and energy transformation, linking decarbonization with competitiveness, investment and long-term energy security.As energy demand continues to rise, driven by industrial development, digitalization and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, Malaysia must ensure that future growth is supported by a more resilient and sustainable energy system. In that context, the environmental footprint of data centres and AI infrastructure is emerging as an important policy consideration globally and in Malaysia.Achieving this decarbonized and secure energy transformation requires accelerating renewable energy deployment, improving energy efficiency and strengthening grid flexibility. At the same time, it involves balancing energy affordability and competitiveness with the need to gradually reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This is not only a climate imperative; it is a strategic investment in Malaysia’s economic future. As highlighted by the Secretary-General, renewables are now the cheapest and fastest-growing source of new electricity in most parts of the world. A cleaner and more diversified energy system can reduce exposure to global fuel price volatility, enhance energy security, attract sustainable investment and create new opportunities in green industries.Yet even the most ambitious mitigation efforts cannot eliminate the climate risks that countries are already experiencing today. Efforts at decarbonization must thus be accompanied along measures to build resilience.. Malaysia is strengthening its climate resilience architecture through the development of its first National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP). This reflects growing recognition that climate risks, from floods and heat stress to water and food insecurity, must be systematically integrated into national planning and investment decisions. MyNAP is not a parallel environmental exercise, it is a national planning tool designed to protect economic growth, infrastructure, ecosystems and livelihoods. By integrating climate risk into development planning, Malaysia is helping to build resilience for current and future generations.Mitigation and adaptation are two complementary dimensions of the same transformation. While mitigation addresses the drivers of climate change, adaptation enables societies and economies to prepare for and manage its impacts. For both to succeed at scale, strong governance is essential. The preparation of a national Climate Change Bill is an important step towards embedding climate action within Malaysia’s legal and institutional framework. A clear legislative foundation can strengthen accountability, clarify responsibilities and reinforce monitoring, reporting and verification systems.Such governance arrangements are increasingly important as Malaysia expands action across a range of climate priorities. As a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge, Malaysia is part of a global effort to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 per cent by 2030 compared with 2020 levels. Recent international discussions, including the Secretary-General's Call to Action on Methane during London Climate Action Week, have highlighted methane mitigation as one of the fastest and most cost-effective opportunities to slow near-term warming. At the same time, Malaysia is strengthening its engagement with carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. These mechanisms can facilitate international cooperation and mobilize private finance for emissions reductions, provided they are supported by transparent accounting frameworks, reliable registries and strong environmental integrity. Together, these efforts demonstrate how robust governance can translate climate ambition into credible and measurable action.Policies and institutions, however, are only part of the equation. Ultimately, the success of this transition will depend on people as much as technologies and regulations. Youth engagement is increasingly shaping Malaysia’s climate agenda, including through initiatives such as the Youth Environmental Living Labs (YELL), a joint programme supported by UNICEF and UNDP that provides a platform for young people to develop and contribute to locally grounded environmental solutions. Young people are not only future beneficiaries of climate action, they are also active contributors to solutions today. Their participation brings intergenerational equity into climate decision-making and helps ensure that the transition remains inclusive and socially grounded.Supporting this transformation requires collaboration across governments, businesses, communities and international partners. Malaysia’s climate transition is being supported by a wide range of national stakeholders, with the United Nations system contributing expertise, partnerships and global experience. Across the UN family, agencies are supporting different dimensions of this transformation. UNDP is working with partners to unlock climate finance and advance a just transition via the “Climate Promise”, a UN System-wide effort, while UNIDO supports industrial decarbonization and the deployment of innovative solutions, including smart grid technologies that enable greater integration of renewable energy and enhance grid flexibility. More broadly, the United Nations provides an important platform for coordination among stakeholders, helping to build trust, facilitate dialogue and promote shared standards in support of climate action and implementation of the Paris Agreement.Energy security, economic competitiveness, climate resilience and social inclusion are not competing priorities; they are interconnected outcomes of the same transformation. Taken together, NDC 3.0, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, MyNAP, the forthcoming Climate Change Bill, Malaysia’s participation in the Global Methane Pledge and its engagement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement demonstrate a coherent and increasingly ambitious national climate agenda. They reflect a country that is steadily integrating climate action into its development pathway while recognizing the opportunities that a low-carbon and climate-resilient future can bring.The climate and energy crises share a common origin, but they also share a common solution. By advancing a clean energy transition that is inclusive, credible and well-governed, Malaysia is well-positioned to strengthen energy security, reduce long-term risks and accelerate sustainable development while remaining aligned with its aspiration of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, the United Nations Country Team stands ready to support Malaysia in this transition, working in partnership with the Government and stakeholders to deliver integrated, coordinated, and impactful solutions. As we approach the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development milestone, one message is clear: the transition is not only necessary, it must accelerate. *this version has addition to the version published by The Edge here

1 of 5

Story

23 June 2026

Call for Proposals 2026/2027 - Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund

Introduction to the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust FundThe Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund (the Fund) is a partnership between the United Nations (UN) in Malaysia and Yayasan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan Malaysia (Yayasan MySDG), supported by the Ministry of Finance. The Fund supports innovative, catalytic, and partnership-driven initiatives that contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia.Guided by the principle of Leave No One Behind (LNOB), the Fund prioritizes initiatives that improve the lives of underserved and vulnerable populations while strengthening, local capacity and supporting sustainable and inclusive development. It encourages partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure everyone benefits from sustainable development.The Call for Proposals 2026/2027 (CFP-2026/2027) invites applications for innovative, people-centred and scalable interventions that deliver measurable impact for communities and localities most at risk of being left behind. Building on the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Calls for Proposals, this third call retains an open and competitive application process while strengthening its focus on impact, proposal quality, governance and compliance readiness.The CFP 2026/2027 places particular emphasis on interventions benefiting asylum seekers, refugees, stateless and undocumented persons, indigenous peoples, migrants, persons with disabilities and other underserved groups, especially in Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.For further details on eligibility criteria, thematic priorities and the application process, please download and review the brochure in full HERE. Key information on the Call For Proposals Thematic Focus: Pillars and Priority Areas Eligibility CriteriaThe CFP3 (2026/27) will be open to proposals from: Malaysia-based civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other non-profit organizations such as academic institutions and think-tanks. Organizations registered as social enterprises will not be eligible to apply. Non-UN Organizations (NUNOs) applicants must be registered in Malaysia as independent legal entities. All NUNO applicants (lead and any NUNO partners) will be subject to due diligence assessments as required by UN rules and regulations and must meet set criteria and requirements in order to access this UN managed Fund. NUNOs can also explore partnering with Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs) to leverage their expertise and resources, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and reach of their initiatives.
UN agencies that are members of the Malaysia UN Country Team and have been recognized as PUNOs in the Fund by signing the Fund’s MOU. Proposals submitted by PUNOs must be joint programmes to be implemented by at least two UN organizations. In addition to submitting joint proposals, PUNOs are encouraged to partner with non-UN entities. Proposal Development and SubmissionApplicants must use the Fund's Project Document (ProDoc) Template. and submit completed applications, including all required supporting documents.The project proposal should be no longer than 20 pages, using a font size of 11. To ensure that the project design is people-centric, both PUNOs and NUNOs should engage and consult with important stakeholders, particularly the intended project beneficiaries. Received proposals will be considered vetted and approved by the senior management of the submitting organizations. Each legal entity may submit a maximum of three proposals.Completed applications, including project documents, with all necessary annexes and supporting documents, must be signed by the head of the organizations.Proposals are to be submitted electronically to the Fund Secretariat at
my-un.sdgtrustfund@un.org., no later than 6 August 2026, 23:59 Malaysia Time (MYT), Incomplete submissions or those received after the deadline will not be considered. Click here to download all the documents MALAYSIA-UN SDG TRUST FUND SECRETARIATFor further clarification, you may contact the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund Secretariat at my-un.sdgtrustfund@un.org CFP-2026/2027 ORIENTATION SESSIONSTwo orientation sessions will be held for interested NUNOs and PUNOs: 3 July 2026; open to all PUNOs and NUNOs with an existing or valid NUNO Framework Agreement only. 7 July 2026; open to all other applicants. Register here or via the QR code below to be informed of these sessions and receive further updates from the Fund. DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE HERE

1 of 5

Story

03 June 2026

Malaysia’s Future Development Model Depends on Nature

Malaysia’s next phase of development will likely be defined less by how fast it grows, and more by how intelligently it grows. The country has already achieved what many developing economies aspire to – Industrialisation, stability, modern infrastructure, and integration into global trade networks. The question now is whether Malaysia can transition into a high-income, high-value, resilient economy while preserving the ecological systems that underpin long-term prosperity. Forests and biodiversity are no longer peripheral environmental concerns. They are increasingly central economic assets.Malaysia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, home to some of the planet’s oldest tropical rainforests and an extraordinary concentration of species found nowhere else on Earth. Iconic wildlife including the Malayan tiger, orangutan, Asian elephant, hornbill, proboscis monkey, sun bear, and clouded leopard form part of the country’s natural identity and tourism appeal. Yet many of these species face extinction from habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade, and human encroachment. The extinction of the Sumatran rhinoceros in Malaysia stands as a stark warning of the consequences of continued ecological decline.These ecosystems are not simply natural heritage. They regulate water systems, support food security, sustain tourism, and underpin industries from agriculture to pharmaceuticals. They also strengthen Malaysia’s position in a global economy increasingly shaped by climate risk, sustainability standards, green finance, and the transition to lower-carbon production systems. Countries able to conserve ecological capital while modernising economically will hold significant comparative advantages in the future.The urgency of this challenge is increasingly global. Forests, of various quality, cover around 31 percent of the Earth’s land surface and support most terrestrial biodiversity, yet the world continues to lose forests at an alarming rate. The United Nations estimates that in 2024 alone, approximately 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary rainforest were lost globally. At the same time, up to one million species are now estimated to be at risk of extinction due to human activity. The world has entered what many scientists describe as a sixth mass extinction event.These trends matter profoundly for Malaysia because the global development model itself is changing rapidly. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical fragmentation, and technological shifts are reshaping how competitiveness is measured. Investors, markets, and consumers are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, traceability, and environmental performance. This was highlighted in GlobeScans 2025, Healthy and Sustainable Living Global Highlights Survey. Measuring consumer patterns, it found that 56% of survey respondents in the world’s 33 largest markets preferred purchasing environmentally friendly products, up from 50% on 2024 results. In this context, environmental degradation increasingly represents economic risk. Malaysia sits at a critical intersection of these global shifts. Its economy remains highly trade exposed and vulnerable to climate-related disruptions, including worsening floods and more erratic weather patterns. Continued deforestation and biodiversity loss would not simply carry environmental consequences. It affects, among other things, agricultural productivity, infrastructure, tourism revenues, public health, insurance premiums, and long-term investment attractiveness.The strategic challenge for Malaysia is therefore not choosing between development and conservation. It is integrating the two into a single development model. Conservation must be embedded within fiscal policy, economic planning, financial systems, and national competitiveness strategies. Malaysia has already begun elements of this transition. In close partnership with UNDP, it is pursing greater sustainable finance initiatives, greener value chains, and growing attention to premium markets for sustainably produced commodities.But there is also a deeper opportunity. Malaysia does not need to replicate outdated development pathways. It can define a new model for upper-middle-income economies: one that combines industrial sophistication, digital transformation, renewable energy, and ecological stewardship. Few countries possess Malaysia’s combination of biodiversity wealth, stability, ambition, and geostrategic position.Ultimately, a cleaner environment is not standing in the way of Malaysia’s development. It is part of the foundation on which the country’s future prosperity will depend. The central policy question is no longer whether conservation can coexist with growth. It is whether sustained growth is possible without conservation.

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

20 August 2026

UNICEF and MDEC announce partnership to put children’s rights and safety at the heart of Malaysia’s growing games industry

KUCHING, 20 August 2026 – UNICEF and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced a partnership to strengthen how children’s rights, safety and well-being are considered in Malaysia’s growing games industry.The partnership was announced by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital during the BAGFEST 2026 event in Kuching, Sarawak. “Children have the same rights online as they do offline. Digital games can support children’s creativity, autonomy, competence, relationships, and emotional well-being when they are designed well. However, these benefits are not automatic. Design choices can support or undermine children’s safety, agency, and development. As the industry continues to grow, we must ensure the children’s needs are considered from the outset so that digital play experiences are safer, more inclusive, and more supportive of their well-being,” he said.The collaboration brings together MDEC’s industry reach and UNICEF’s global child-rights expertise to support Malaysia’s games ecosystem in considering children’s well-being throughout the design and development process.“Children should be able to play, create and connect online without their rights or safety being an afterthought,” said Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam. “Children and parents should not have to carry the burden of digital safety alone. The companies shaping children’s digital experiences have a responsibility too. The strongest safeguards are built in from the start-not added only after harm occurs. This effort gives Malaysia an opportunity to show that the growth of its digital economy and the rights of children can advance together.”“Malaysia’s games industry is growing in both ambition and global reach. As we strengthen the digital creative ecosystem, it is important that this growth is anchored in trust and responsibility,” said Anuar Fariz Fadzil, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC. “Together with UNICEF, MDEC will continue working with our nation’s studios and developers to provide practical guidance that helps them consider children’s rights and safety from the design stage. Responsible innovation does not limit creativity; it strengthens the credibility and long-term competitiveness of our industry,” he added.The collaboration will draw on Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC), a UNICEF-led global initiative that translates research into practical guidance and tools. Developed with online games design professionals, the free RITEC Design Toolbox can be adapted by studios and design teams to support children’s well-being in their everyday design and development processes. This can help companies create better digital play experiences while strengthening player trust, product quality and long-term value.Held in Kuching from 19 to 23 August, BAGFEST 2026 brings together industry leaders, creators, investors, students and the public as Sarawak strengthens its role in the regional digital creative economy.As part of the festival, UNICEF and MDEC are contributing to the first industry engagement under their partnership. Through an industry workshop and a B2B panel discussion on 20 and 21 August, UNICEF is bringing children’s rights, safety and well-being into industry conversations about the future of digital play.By working with industry leaders, creators and policymakers, UNICEF aims to help shape a digital ecosystem in which innovation and business growth go hand in hand with the rights, safety and well-being of every child.ENDSNotes to editorsAbout RITECResponsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC) is a global initiative to advance children’s well-being in digital play through game design. It is led by UNICEF in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, the LEGO Group, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center and Games for Change.RITEC is not a certification scheme or regulatory approval. Their use does not constitute UNICEF endorsement of any company, product or service.About MDEC Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is the national agency under the Ministry of Digital driving Malaysia’s digital economy. Celebrating 30 years of accelerating digital transformation, MDEC leads the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative, fueling innovation, investment, and inclusive growth across the digital landscape. Guided by the pillars of digital rakyat, digital economy, and digital government, MDEC champions Malaysia’s path to becoming an AI Nation by 2030 and partners globally to build a resilient, competitive digital ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.mdec.my

1 of 5

Press Release

27 July 2026

‘We are all made of the same ingredients’

KUALA LUMPUR/BANGKOK (27 July 2026) – The UN Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for South-East Asia and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Malaysia, in partnership with Kuala Lumpur-based social impact production team untitled kompeni, have launched a new season of the Dari Dapur ('stories from the kitchen') campaign, which aims to place human stories and shared experiences – of Malaysians, migrants and refugees – at the heart of public narratives on migration.Malaysia is home to one of the region’s most diverse populations, shaped by a rich history of migration. The country hosts between 2.6 and 5.5 million migrants, both documented and undocumented, according to various sources from the Government of Malaysia and World Bank, and around 215,600 refugees and asylum seekers, according to UNHCR. Migrant workers constitute around one-fifth of the labour force. Against this backdrop, Dari Dapur seeks to create space for meaningful conversations about migration through the universal language of food.“In moments when narratives of division take hold, Dari Dapur reminds us of the power of sharing a meal and a conversation. This new season shines a light on the hopes, dreams, and everyday realities that connect us all, no matter where we come from. These stories highlight our common humanity and the dignity and respect every person deserves," said Cynthia Veliko, Representative at the UN Human Rights Regional Office for South-East Asia."Values like respect, understanding, and acceptance have long been woven into Malaysia’s social fabric, and Dari Dapur helps bring these values to life in our communities,” said Heba Abdellatif, IOM Chief of Mission in Malaysia. "We all have a role to play in building inclusive communities, challenging harmful narratives, and amplifying stories that foster understanding."First launched in 2023, Dari Dapur brings Malaysians, migrants, and refugees together to bond over their love of good food, in a format where each recipe comes with its own story. The campaign was designed based on research commissioned by UN Human Rights, which found that a clear majority of Malaysians recognise the benefits migration brings to the country’s economy and society while they find discussions about migration difficult to engage in. The study also found that after watching Dari Dapur, Malaysians interviewed were better able to appreciate realities of migrants’ lives and recognise the common humanity that connected them with people on the move. Funded by the Malaysia-UN Sustainable Development Goals Trust Fund, this season will feature five short films showcasing public figures from different walks of life joining migrants and refugees in their kitchens, to cook recipes from their home countries together, to exchange stories of each other’s lives, families, and journeys, and to learn what we all have in common.Joining the first episode of this season, Ili Ruzanna, a Malaysian radio DJ, content creator, and host of 30 Hari Rindu Rasa Ibu (‘30 Days of Missing My Mom’s Cooking’) – a series dedicated to the stories and recipes of mothers across Malaysia – brought her passion for food and human connection to the Dari Dapur table."Sharing the same meal reminds us that what we have in common is far greater than what sets us apart," she said. "Eating another mom's food brought back memories of my mom's recipes and stories. I left with a deep sense of how much we share as human beings, no matter where we come from."“We need more stories that inspire and connect us, rather than those that tear us apart,” said Elroi Yee, producer of the Dari Dapur series. “I hope viewers in Malaysia and beyond will realise that deep down, we are all made of the same ingredients, and that we can find unity in our differences.” ENDSWatch the first episode of this Dari Dapur season at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=694RhbYmIM4Follow and learn more about Dari Dapur – Instagram: @daridapur.my; Facebook: @daridapur.my and Youtube: @daridapur_myPhotos from the first episode can be found here.For more information and media requests, please contact: Wannaporn Samutassadong - wannaporn.samutassadong@un.org UN Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. We represent the world’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have a unique role to promote and protect all human rights, help empower people, and assist governments in the Asia Pacific region and around the world.International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and a part of the United Nations system. In Malaysia, IOM works with government, civil society, communities, and other partners to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration while fostering inclusion, resilience, and social cohesion. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ‘untitled kompeni’ works with local communities to make documentaries and multimedia tools for social impact and community empowerment.UN Human Rights’ #StandUp4Migrants initiative aims to change the way we tell stories about migrants and migration, bringing communities together and upholding the human rights of migrants no matter who they are or where they come from.

1 of 5

Press Release

15 July 2026

UNICEF welcomes passage of the Social Work Profession Bill as a milestone for children and families in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2026 – UNICEF Malaysia welcomes the passage of the Social Work Profession Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) on 14 July as a significant milestone towards strengthening and professionalizing social work in Malaysia.By formally recognizing social work as a profession, the Bill marks important progress toward the recommendation of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to strengthen social workers and provides a foundation for stronger professional standards, accountability and quality of support for children and families at risk.For children experiencing abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation, access to a qualified social worker can be life changing. Social workers play a critical role in identifying risks, supporting families in times of crisis, coordinating services and helping ensure children receive the protection and care they need to be safe and thrive.Beyond crisis response, social workers help strengthen families, connect households to essential services and support early action to prevent problems from escalating. As Malaysia faces more complex social, disaster and climate-related risks, qualified social workers will be increasingly important in helping communities prepare, respond and recover, while supporting better outcomes for children and families.While the current scope of the Bill focuses primarily on the private sector, it represents an important legislative milestone, which sets the stage for the necessary gradual, comprehensive professionalization of the entire social service workforce across all sectors in Malaysia.A recognized professional framework can strengthen public understanding of the role of social workers across child protection, social welfare, health, education and community services, while supporting longer-term planning and investment in the workforce and systems needed to deliver quality services for children and families.UNICEF Malaysia commends the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and the Government of Malaysia for advancing this legislation. We remain committed to working with the Government, civil society and the Malaysian Association of Social Workers to support implementation and help strengthen services for children and families across Malaysia.

1 of 5

Press Release

25 June 2026

Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund announces RM17 million for 2026–2027 projects

Putrajaya, 25 June 2026 – The Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund today launched its third Call for Proposals (CFP 2026/27), making available up to USD4.4 million (approximately RM17.6 million) to support innovative, catalytic and partnership-driven projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia.Since its establishment, the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund has invested USD8 million in 30 projects, reaching more than 72,000 people across 11 states. The Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund is a pooled fund run by United Nations in Malaysia, supported by the Yayasan MySDG and the Ministry of Finance.YBhg. Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of Treasury at the Ministry of Finance said, “The Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund projects have had a great track record of being life changing for disadvantaged communities. I am confident that as we launch the third Call for Proposals, we can look forward to project proposals that not only provide innovative solutions but will also provide a test bed for future policy interventions that can be scaled up, together in partnership between the Government, UN, civil society and the communities to be helped.”The CFP 2026/27 places a strong emphasis on the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle — the central commitment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — by prioritizing initiatives for vulnerable groups and localities most at risk of being left behind.This year’s call also strengthens geographical targeting, with particular attention to states facing persistent development disparities, including Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis.Under the call, grants ranging from USD100,000 to USD500,000 will be awarded to projects that advance inclusive and sustainable development, particularly for persons, communities and localities most at risk of being left behind. Applications are open to Malaysian-based civil society organizations, non-governmental and non-profit entities, including academic institutions, as well as UN agencies. Eligible projects should have an implementation period of between 12 and 24 months.Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan MySDG, said:“At the heart of the Malaysia–UN SDG Trust Fund is a commitment to ensure development reaches those who need it most. Over the past two years, the Fund has supported community-driven programmes that have improved lives, strengthened resilience and expanded opportunities across Malaysia. In this new Call for Proposals, we look forward to supporting innovative partnerships that advance sustainable development while ensuring no one is left behind.”Now entering its third year, the Trust Fund has supported interventions benefiting indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, refugees, stateless populations, marginalised women and youth, and remote coastal communities across Malaysia.Projects funded to date have delivered tangible results in health, livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Mobile clinics have expanded access to healthcare for communities who have limited access, while livelihood initiatives have increased household incomes and strengthened climate resilience. In Sabah, improved sanitation systems have significantly reduced marine pollution while creating community-led income opportunities. Education and skills development programmes have also helped vulnerable groups improve their employment prospects.Nikolas Myint, UN Resident Coordinator-designate in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, said: "As the Fund continues to grow, it provides a powerful platform to identify innovative solutions that can be scaled to advance inclusive and sustainable development across Malaysia. The results achieved so far demonstrate how targeted investments can improve lives, strengthen resilience and expand opportunities for those who are too often left behind. Through this new call for proposals, we hope to support locally driven initiatives that can deliver lasting impact for communities most at risk of being left behind."The Call for Proposals will close on 6 August 2026, 23:59 PMFor more information, visit malaysia.un.orgMedia Contact: Navreena Levan(Navreena.levan@undp.org)

1 of 5

Press Release

05 June 2026

Sabah Child Wellbeing Index provides a comprehensive picture of children’s lived realities

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 5 June 2026 – New research by UNICEF and the Sabah State Government’s Unit Perancangan Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) provides a comprehensive picture of how children in Sabah are growing, learning and living.The Sabah Child Wellbeing Index (SCWI) looks beyond household income to examine children’s lives across six areas: health, nutrition, learning, play and rest, safety and protection, and participation.The study highlights important strengths, including strong family and community support and access to basic services for many children in Sabah. It also identifies areas where more investment is needed, particularly in ensuring safe homes and communities, access to nutritious food, improving adolescent health, and reliable internetThe study also found that children’s wellbeing tends to decline as they grow older, particularly during adolescence. Children with disabilities, as well as undocumented and stateless children, face some of the greatest barriers to wellbeing.“This study paints a picture of how children in Sabah experience their daily lives across different aspects of wellbeing. By helping us understand these interconnected experiences, this index can support more inclusive responses, especially for those most at risk of being left behind,” said Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia.Key findings highlight progress and persistent challengesThe study found that: Nearly 80 per cent of children have a strong sense of belonging to their school and community.Almost 1 in 4 children are not fully immunized.Fewer than one-third of adolescents aged 15–17 meet benchmarks for sexual and reproductive health, including access to information, services and trusted support.Fewer than one in three children meet growth and development thresholds, and many consume limited amounts of fruits and vegetables.Under 35 per cent of children have sufficient access to digital devices and reliable internet, which limits their ability to learn and participate online.In addition, children reported that they lack opportunities for inclusive play, feel unable to freely express their opinions, or live in environments that do not meet adequate housing standards.“Behind every data point is a child growing up in Sabah — a child who may feel supported by family and community, but who may also face challenges in getting nutritious food, accessing reliable internet, feeling safe or having their voice heard. These findings remind us that support must be shaped around children’s lived realities, with a focus on those facing the greatest barriers,” added Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia.The findings also reveal disparities across districts. Deprivations tend to be higher in hard‑to‑reach areas such as Kudat, particularly in digital access and nutritious food consumption, and in Tawau, where vaccination gaps are more prominent.Undocumented and stateless children experience some of the widest gaps in wellbeing, reflecting persistent barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare and education.The study engaged 4,441 children and caregivers across all five administrative divisions of Sabah, including children from underserved communities, such as children with disabilities and children who are undocumented or stateless.The Sabah Child Wellbeing Index is intended to guide planning and decision-making by identifying where children need the most support and highlighting the need for stronger, more inclusive systems that reach every child, regardless of legal status or location.

1 of 5

View all