Resident Coordinator's speech: Malaysia-UNESCO Cooperation Programme Achievement Event

Mr. Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, Under-Secretary for Strategic Planning and International Relations at the Ministry of Education and Secretary General of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO

Dr Mee Young Choi, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Multisectoral Office in Jakarta, covering Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste

Mr. Ahmadul Mokhtar Bin Mohd Hayani, Executive Secretary, Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO

Representatives of the Government of Malaysia

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Colleagues and esteemed partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to address this esteemed audience. I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers of this event, celebrating the achievements and remarkable journey of the Malaysia-UNESCO Cooperation Programme.

This collaborative initiative between Malaysia and UNESCO stands as clear example to the value of South-South cooperation as the most sustainable form of development assistance.

As we have just heard from the honorable SG of the National Commission for UNESCO, this programme has made significant strides in fostering positive change across multiple domains.

Through joint efforts, we have witnessed the transformational impact of our collective actions.

At the heart of the MUCP is a shared commitment to global development through interactions, cross fertilization and the transfer of knowledge and skills between nations. 

This cooperation programme has delivered win-win outcomes and has left an indelible mark on Malaysia and the countries it has supported. Most of all, it has positioned Malaysia as an important emerging development partner.

At this critical juncture marking the half-way point to 2030, the global deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the power of partnership, collaboration and collective action cannot be overemphasized.

The SDGs were endorsed in 2015 as a blueprint for achieving a better future for all; a comprehensive plan to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect the planet, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Halfway through the timeline of the 2030 Agenda, we know that the progress achieved is way below the speed and scale required to deliver on the global goals.

The MUCP exemplifies a partnership-based approach vital for the realization of the 2030 Agenda and the rescue of the Sustainable Development Goals, to use the UN Secretary-General’s words.

The program was founded on the principles of solidarity, mutual benefit, and shared experiences, and crucially embodied South-South cooperation, empowering countries to take ownership of their development processes and find locally relevant solutions.

Through collaboration which has extended beyond borders, it has also opened up opportunities for Malaysian professionals to learn and share their knowledge and expertise in championing sustainable practices, mitigating the impact of climate change, safeguarding the history and our diverse cultural heritage, and fostering inclusive and equitable education systems.

This is also the essence of the UN’s mission in Malaysia.

Guided by our Cooperation Framework agreed with the government, we seek to foster collaboration, multi-stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization.

We advocate and support comprehensive strategies that address complex challenges and drive transformative change at all levels.

The UN Country Team works with a broad range of strategic partners to ensure vulnerable groups are not left behind; to enable people to secure decent jobs in a fairer economy; to help transform Malaysia’s public health and education services; and to enable climate action and protect biodiversity.

UNESCO is a valuable member of the Malaysia UN family. Through its stewardship, with the Ministry, of the MUCP, it has promoted sustainable development, cultural preservation, and education.

The program’s legacy and hopefully future phases will not only contribute to boosting progress towards SDG17 (the Partnership Goal), but also SDGs targets related to the economy, society, environment, innovation, technology and culture.

As we come together to celebrate the MUCP achievements, we acknowledge it as a blueprint for successful collaboration, inspiring nations to follow suit in addressing the challenges that lie ahead. We also acknowledge the dedication, passion and unwavering support of everyone here to its success.

Thank you