Resident Coordinator's speech: United Nations Day Malaysia 2023

Yang Berhormat Datuk Mohammad Bin Alamin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished senior Officials from Government

Esteemed partners from Civil Society, Academia, youth organisations, women’s organisations, the private sector,

Members of the Media,

Colleagues from the United Nations in Malaysia,

Selamat Datang and a very warm welcome. 

On behalf of the UN Country Team and all UN staff in Malaysia, I express our profound thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Thank you, Honourable Deputy Foreign Minister, for gracing our event today.

Our sincere appreciation goes to all of you for joining us this morning to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations.

This day marks our collective duty to remember and celebrate the founding purposes and principles of the United Nations.

"We the peoples”, determined “to save the world and future generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of every human being, the equal rights of men and women, and of nations large and small; and with a collective pledge to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”

This pledge resonated profoundly in 1945. Today, amidst complex geopolitical challenges, wars and deep fractures, the Charter's commitment to peace remains as pertinent as ever.

As we look back on nearly eight decades of dedication to peace, security, human rights, and development, we acknowledge our successes and setbacks. And with unwavering resolve and resilience, the UN stands as a beacon of international unity and a source of hope for people around the world.

About two years ago, I delivered my first speech right here in this beautiful monument park. Taman Tugu, with its awe-inspiring beauty and rich biodiversity unique to Malaysia, serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard against the perils of climate change. It also honours the sacrifices of countless Malaysian heroes who gave their lives to defend their country's sovereignty, peace, and harmony.

I am happy that we are meeting here today.

Malaysia's enduring partnership with the UN underscores its dedication to multilateralism to achieve peace, global harmony and shared prosperity. Since joining the UN in 1957, Malaysia has been actively engaged in peacekeeping, sustainable development, and human rights.

Only one month ago, the Right Honourable Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a compelling speech at the UN General Assembly, where he emphasized multilateralism and a return to the founding ideals of the United Nations.

Malaysia also leads by example as a member of the Human Rights Council. Its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), notably as one of the first countries that are piloting OHCHR’s National Recommendation Tracking Database, exemplifies Malaysia's proactive approach towards ensuring a just and inclusive society for all its citizens.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

A convergence of multiple crises is causing widespread human suffering across the globe. From natural disasters and conflicts to health emergencies and economic hardships, communities are grappling with unprecedented challenges.

For the first time in decades, we are witnessing regress in development outcomes. With only 15 percent of the SDGs on track globally, we are falling short of the future we envisioned eight years ago.

Today’s event is under the theme of action. “Act Now”, for peace, for rights and for sustainable development.

We need action and practical solutions, not only from government, but from everyone.

For the world to get back in the race to achieve the SDGs by 2030, special efforts are needed on six areas 1) Energy; 2) Climate and Environment, Biodiversity and Nature; 3) Education; 4) Social Protection and Jobs; 5) Digital Public Infrastructure; and 6) Food Systems.

And to achieve progress that truly improves people’s lives, we need to engage youth, ensure that women and girls are empowered, that human rights are protected. We also need the right policies and programmes in place, and financing to ensure their implementation.

Malaysia's unwavering commitment to globally agreed frameworks is unquestionable. We applaud the nation's fresh perspective on the economy and society outlined in Malaysia Madani, Ekonomi Madani, and the many macro and local-level initiatives driving the country’s transformation.

The establishment of the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund is a testimony to the government’s commitment to engage all stakeholders. It is also proof of the strong trust in the United Nations as a results-driven partner. We renew our thanks to the Ministry of Finance and to My-SDG Foundation for this amazing journey together.

The United Nations has accompanied Malaysia in its development journey for over seventy years. Our recent annual results reports highlight the results achieved since the UN agencies, funds and programmes active in Malaysia have come together around a shared blueprint.

We are proud of our Cooperation Framework and the hard work and dedication of every UN staff member to deliver on its ambitious goals.

As part of the many fun activities today, please take a few moments to listen to the stories shared by our UN agencies. Those stories will tell you who we are and what we do, and highlight some of the valuable work achieved with our many partners representing all sectors.

Distinguished guests, colleagues and friends,

As we commemorate this day, it is with profound sorrow that we remember our colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice in their pursuit of peace, sustainable development, and human rights. 29 UN colleagues have tragically lost their lives since 7 October.

“We are a divided world.  We can and must be united nations.”

“We can all do our part to nurture the seeds of hope, by rallying together to tackle the common challenges we face.”

With these words from the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, I conclude. I thank you and wish us all a hopeful UN Day 2023.

Terima kasih.