Merdeka message from Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator

On this 65th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence, on behalf of the United Nations, I wish the people of Malaysia a heartfelt Selamat Hari Merdeka, a happy and joyous Independence Day.

Malaysia’s founding values of unity and diversity, its embrace of inclusive and sustainable development as enshrined in the 2030 agenda, has underpinned its remarkable progress since it joined the UN on 17th September 1957.

Today, Malaysia is a valued and respected UN Member State, and has served in a variety of capacities – most notably of the Security Council, a major provider of peace keeping troops, and currently a member on the Human Rights Council.

Our partnership, which began soon after independence, with the UN Technical Assistance Programme, continues today with 21 UN agencies accompanying Malaysia on its development journey.

The UN Country Team looks forward to Malaysia’s rapid and equitable recovery from the pandemic and is committed to working together to build back better, as defined by Malaysia’s national aspirations and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

In these uncertain and challenging times of geopolitical tensions, spiraling global prices, and unprecedented climate threats, jointness of purpose and a whole of society approach is essential in delivering a prosperous, equitable, and environmentally sustainable future.