On 19 November 2024, Malawakil Geneva hosted a reception to promote Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. The event was officiated by H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN in Geneva, and graced by H.E. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, as the Guest of Honour.
The reception marked an important continuation of the ASEAN Chairmanship handover ceremony from Lao PDR to Malaysia. It served as a platform to present Malaysia’s vision and priorities, guided by the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability. The theme emphasises shared progress, narrowing development gaps, and fostering regional unity through economic and technological advancements.
In her welcoming remarks, Dato’ Nadzirah highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining peace, security, and economic cooperation. She also introduced Malaysia’s proposal to host the inaugural ASEAN-GCC + China Summit in 2025, underscoring Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening ASEAN’s partnerships globally.
The Chief Secretary in his keynote address, outlined Malaysia’s priorities for its Chairmanship, including strengthening ASEAN centrality, promoting intra-trade and investment, and addressing climate change. His speech further reinforced Malaysia’s readiness to lead ASEAN into a more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative future.
This event highlighted Malaysia’s proactive leadership in Geneva, demonstrating openness to collaboration with all stakeholders and ensuring ASEAN’s agenda remains visible on the global stage.
