STATEMENT BY
MS. NORDIANA ZIN ZAWAWI
COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE
79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON AGENDA ITEM 21: GROUPS OF COUNTRIES IN SPECIAL SITUATIONS
21 OCTOBER 2024, CONFERENCE ROOM 2, UNHQ
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Uganda on behalf of the G77 and China, as well as Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN.
2. The plight of countries in special situations, including the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), continues to demand urgent global attention, as they face persistent challenges in achieving sustainable development.
3. In 2023, the GDP of LDCs declined by an alarming 10% compared to pre-pandemic trends, and the number of people living in extreme poverty rose by 15 million, pushing the total beyond 380 million. Shockingly, only 14% of LDC populations have access to any form of social protection, compared to 85% in developed nation.
4. These figures underscore the urgency for targeted interventions, greater international support, and comprehensive reforms to enable these countries to overcome poverty, and building resilience in the face of economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
Mr. Chair,
5. Malaysia maintains its strong support towards the development agenda for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. We recognize that these countries face structural vulnerabilities that hinder their capacity to develop sustainably. Thus, we remain committed to tackling these challenges through various platforms, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
6. Malaysia’s Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) is a cornerstone of our support for countries in special situations, focusing on human capital development, technical assistance, and capacity building. Since 1980, over 38,000 participants from 144 countries have benefited from MTCP's training in crucial areas such as governance, healthcare, education, and public administration.
7. In 2024, we have allocated RM14 million for MTCP activities, with 40 training programmes designed for the specific needs of LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. These programmes offer technical training in diverse fields such as agriculture, economics, environment and ICT - essential areas for driving sustainable development.
8. Beyond training, the MTCP’s Dispatch of Experts Programme ensures that technical guidance is available to these countries on the ground, assisting in critical areas such as public administration, environmental conservation, and disaster management.
9. Despite the notable successes of the MTCP, Malaysia is fully aware of the systemic obstacles these countries face, particularly in accessing sustainable financing and integrating into global markets. It is crucial that we, as the international community, explore innovative solutions such as blended financing models and debt relief mechanisms to ease the financial burden of these vulnerable nations.
Mr. Chair,
10. Malaysia firmly believes that South-South Cooperation is critical to advancing the development of LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. By sharing expertise, knowledge, and best practices, developing countries can foster self-reliance and reduce dependency on external aid.
12. In this context, Malaysia has been actively facilitating Third Country Training Programmes (TCTP) under the triangular cooperation framework, working with both the Global South and North to implement projects that address the specific needs of LDCs and LLDCs.
Mr. Chair,
13. Malaysia will continue to collaborate constructively in supporting the development of countries in special situations. The international community must act with renewed vigour and solidarity to address the deep-rooted vulnerabilities that persist in these nations.
No nation and no individual must be left behind.
Thank you.