STATEMENT (2C) : GENERAL DEBATE OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THEME: “FOSTERING RESILIENCE AND

STATEMENT BY

MR. BASKARAN MANOGARAN

REPRESENTATIVE

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE

79^TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

THEME: “FOSTERING RESILIENCE AND GROWTH IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD”

8 OCTOBER 2024, CONFERENCE ROOM 2, UNHQ

Distinguished Chair,

Thank you for convening this General Debate. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the G77 and China, and by Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN.

We are approaching the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The challenges we face are immense, but so too is our resolve. Now, more than ever, we must accelerate our efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.

2. Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda. Our national development plans are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we are focused on delivering inclusive and sustainable growth. However, we recognise that the path to achieving the SDGs is becoming increasingly complex due to the compounding impacts of the pandemic, climate change, and global economic uncertainties.

3. To this end, Malaysia calls for strengthened global cooperation. We must enhance resource mobilisation, foster innovation, and encourage multi-stakeholder partnerships to fast-track progress. The recent Summit of the Future reaffirmed our common aspiration for reinvigorated multilateralism and charting a path toward a more resilient, just, and equitable world.

4. The climate crisis remains the defining challenge of our time. Malaysia is deeply concerned about the widening gap between climate commitments and action. While we welcome the global focus on addressing this crisis, more ambitious action is urgently needed.

5. Malaysia has taken bold steps in our own climate agenda, including advancing our renewable energy goals, protecting our rich biodiversity, and pursuing nature-based solutions. We are also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. But national efforts alone will not suffice.

6. We urgently call on developed countries to honour their climate finance commitments under the Paris Agreement. The time has come for meaningful contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and a comprehensive mechanism to support developing countries in adapting to the irreversible impacts of climate change.

Chair,

7. We must also address the fundamental inequalities within the global financial system. Malaysia advocates for the reform of the international financial architecture to ensure that it is more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of developing countries. The current system has left too many nations vulnerable to economic shocks and external debt crises, exacerbating poverty and inequality.

8. A reformed international financial system must provide greater access to concessional financing, especially for climate adaptation and sustainable development. Additionally, we call for a more equitable distribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and greater representation of developing countries in global financial institutions.

Chair,

9. The digital revolution holds the potential to transform societies and economies, yet too many remain excluded from this transformation. Bridging the digital divide is imperative if we are to achieve the SDGs.

10. Malaysia is committed to advancing digital inclusion. Our efforts to expand access to digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and foster innovation are core components of our national development strategy. However, global collaboration is essential. We urge the international community to support efforts in building digital capacities in developing countries, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the digital era.

11. Malaysia launched MyDIGITAL in 2021, an initiative to steer digital transformation and drive the growth of the digital economy. It offers a solid framework that will help to create 500,000 job opportunities in the digital economy, assist 5,000 start-up companies to begin operations within five years and attract RM70 billion worth of new investment in the digital sector.

12. Finally, Malaysia emphasises the need for innovative approaches to development and climate financing. We must rethink how we finance sustainable development and climate action. This includes not only scaling up public and private investments but also exploring new financial instruments.

13. We must also ensure that financing mechanisms are accessible and affordable for developing countries, enabling them to pursue their sustainable development goals without exacerbating their debt burdens.

Chair,

14. Malaysia welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its annexes Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. We remain committed to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. To this end, Malaysia stands ready to work with all member states to address our collective challenges. Now is the time for action, solidarity, and cooperation. Let us together shape a future that is just, equitable, and sustainable for all.

Thank you.