STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL DEBATE
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA
“ACHIEVING THE SDGS: ADDRESSING PRESENT CHALLENGES AND BUILDING RESILIENCE AGAINST FUTURE CRISES”
15 DECEMBER 2022, CONFERENCE ROOM 4, UNHQ, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, my delegation wishes to thank the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for convening this Ministerial Conference today. I would also like to convey the warmest regards of my Foreign Minister who is not able to join us today due to another prior official commitment.
2. As mentioned by many speakers this morning, we will be facing tremendous uncertainties in the years ahead due to multiple challenges. The recent forecast by the IMF projected that economic growth would decline from 3.2% in 2022 to 2.7% next year. The outlook is indeed discouraging, and the impact will unfortunately be substantially felt by developing countries. Against this backdrop, our progress towards realising the 2030 Agenda would be facing further setbacks and we must galvanise greater efforts to get back on track.
3. In Malaysia’s view, a key component towards our common recovery efforts remains to firstly bridge the 70% global vaccination target so that no one is left behind in our pursuit of sustainable development. Malaysia believes that investment in vaccines, including its manufacturing and distribution, continues to be fundamental in achieving that goal. The pandemic presents us with the opportunity to leverage on expertise and resources within the global South to produce our own vaccines and prepare for future health crises. In the same vein, Malaysia further believes that in order to improve the well-being and socio-economic aspects of our people, we must leverage the potential of South-South and Triangular Cooperation by exploring new beneficial collaboration and opportunities particularly through knowledge sharing, capacity building and transfer of technology.
4. On climate change, Malaysia joins others in expressing serious concern regarding the unmet goal of $100 billion in annual climate financing by developed countries. This pledge is crucial to assist developing countries in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. As mentioned by the UN Secretary-General, during the G20 Bali Summit last November, developed countries must at least provide a clear roadmap on how they plan to deliver on the doubling of adaptation finance of $40 billion. We also look forward to the operationalisation of new funding arrangements for developing countries to respond to loss and damage. At the same time, developing countries must continue to endeavour to advance their climate actions including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
5. With regard to Financing for Development, Malaysia echoes the call on the importance of concessional financing for developing countries, including in the form of loans, grants, or even debt relief measures.
Mr. Chair,
6. Before concluding, I would like to congratulate Ambassador Munir Akram and his team for the stewardship and leading the Group in New York. Allow me to also take this opportunity to congratulate Cuba on assuming the Chairmanship of the Group in 2023 and wish to assure the incoming Chair of Malaysia’s full support in progressing the collective work of the Group. Malaysia remains committed to working closely with fellow Group members in our common pursuit to advance and safeguard the interests of developing countries.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.