OPENING REMARKS BY
H.E. DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
SIDE EVENT:
“HARNESSING DIGITAL AND INTELLIGENT TECH FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS PROTECTION”
11 MARCH 2026, CONFERENCE ROOM 8, UNHQ
Excellencies, distinguished panellists, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Malaysia extends its appreciation to the Government of China and partners for convening this important discussion on harnessing digital and intelligent technologies for the protection of women’s rights. This dialogue is particularly timely as countries collectively explore how emerging technologies can be harnessed responsibly to advance gender equality while safeguarding the rights and safety of women and girls.
2. We are living in an era where rapid technological advancement is transforming societies, economies and governance. Digital technologies including artificial intelligence, big data and digital platforms are creating unprecedented opportunities to advance gender equality, expand access to information and services and strengthen women’s participation in the digital economy. In Malaysia, the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint underscores the importance of ensuring that digital transformation benefits all segments of society, including women, by expanding access to digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities and innovation ecosystems.
3. However, these advancements also present new risks. Women and girls continue to face challenges such as online harassment, gender-based violence and unequal access to digital skills and opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires collective commitment to ensuring that digital innovation remains inclusive, safe and rights-based.
4. For Malaysia, digital technology has become an important enabler in strengthening access to justice, which is also the central theme of this year’s Commission on the Status of Women. One key initiative is Malaysia’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, which established a dedicated tribunal to provide victims with a clear and accessible legal pathway to seek redress. Building on this progress, Malaysia is currently developing a digital reporting platform that will enable victims of sexual harassment to safely lodge complaints online. This initiative aims to improve accessibility, particularly for women and girls in rural and underserved communities.
5. Malaysia also recognises the importance of ensuring that digital governance and emerging technologies are developed through a gender-responsive lens. In this regard, gender mainstreaming has been institutionalised across the Government through mechanisms such as Gender Focal Points and Gender Focal Teams in ministries and agencies. These mechanisms support evidence-based policymaking and help ensure that national policies, including those related to digital transformation, integrate gender considerations.
6. Malaysia is also actively strengthening women’s participation in the digital economy through targeted initiatives such as digital skills training, coding programmes for girls, and workforce reskilling programmes implemented through agencies such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. These programmes aim to encourage more women and girls to pursue opportunities in technology and STEM-related sectors.
7. At the same time, Malaysia acknowledges that structural barriers such as unpaid care responsibilities continue to limit women’s participation in economic and digital opportunities. To address this, Malaysia recently launched the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026–2030, which aims to strengthen the care economy by expanding childcare, eldercare and support services. By creating a more enabling environment, this initiative allows more women to participate fully in the workforce and benefit from the opportunities of the digital age.
8. Complementing these efforts, Malaysia continues to promote digital entrepreneurship among women through initiatives that support small businesses and online enterprises, enabling women to access broader markets and grow their economic participation through digital platforms.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
9. Technology must ultimately serve humanity. As we embrace the digital future, we must ensure that innovation strengthens, rather than undermines the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls.
10. Malaysia remains committed to working with Member States, the United Nations system and all stakeholders to harness digital and intelligent technologies in ways that promote justice, empower women and create a more inclusive digital future for all.
Thank you.