STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
4 OCTOBER 2022
“Transforming Political Commitments into Actions
for Sustainable Recovery – Rebuilding a Sustainable Future for All”
Madam Chair,
Allow me to begin by joining others in congratulating you on your election as Chair of the Committee. I assure you of the full support of my delegation throughout the session of this Committee.
2. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered respectively by Pakistan on behalf of the G77 and China, and Cambodia, on behalf of ASEAN.
Madam Chair,
3. Malaysia remains concerned that the world has yet to reach the state of recovery that we have been hoping for. It is also rather ironic that some of us are talking about the post-pandemic recovery situation while many are still grappling with pandemic conditions. According to the WHO, one billion people in lower-income countries remain unvaccinated. Further, only 57 countries have vaccinated 70% of their population and almost all of them are high-income countries. To enable sustainable recovery, Malaysia believes that firstly, we must address this inequality and press for greater efforts to meet the 70% global vaccination target.
Madam Chair,
4. We are facing multifaceted crises which require our urgent attention. These crises have not only affected energy security but also food security. We have seen how at least one-seventh of the world’s population is affected by disruptions in the global food supply chains. More than two years into the pandemic, we have seen the rise of food-insecure population from 135 million to 276 million people. It is estimated that this number could surge to more than 300 million people.
5. Greater collective efforts are therefore needed to ensure that the global food supply chains remain stable. In this connection, we welcome and support the UN-led Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has allowed the shipment of grain and fertilisers from Ukraine to the rest of the world. We also believe that investing in technology and innovation would contribute to ensuring better resilience of our food systems.
6. Malaysia also reiterates the importance of ensuring a free and fair multilateral trading system to ensure unimpeded cross-border flows of essential goods, including food, energy, vaccines and medicines.
Madam Chair,
7. In its recent report, UNCTAD cautions that decisions on monetary and fiscal policy by major economies would risk pushing the world towards global recession and prolonged stagnation. It is projected that world economic growth will slow down to 2.5% in 2022 and drop to 2.2% in 2023. Regrettably, the worse hit would be developing countries that are already in or near debt distress.
8. However, experts believe that there is still time to avert a global economic slowdown. This would require a cohesive and cooperative multilateral and international response. In this closely-knit interconnected world, domestic monetary decisions must take into account the reality and interests of developing countries. In this context, Malaysia reiterates its call for a more cooperative international monetary mechanism that would ensure a more effective and just system.
Madam Chair,
9. We will soon convene in Sharm El Sheikh at COP27. The Secretary-General has stated that it must be the place for action on loss damage. It will be an opportunity to deliver on predictable financing for climate action that was agreed upon in the past. Climate change affects all of us particularly developing countries. The realisation of USD 100 billion climate financing will go a long way in supporting vulnerable countries against the existential threat of climate change.
10. Malaysia also reiterates that common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities for climate action are critical and should be based on national needs and priorities. In limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celcius, Malaysia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, as well as to achieving its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
11. We must also strengthen our efforts to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and renewable energy for all. Malaysia calls on developed partners to reinforce international cooperation by intensifying technology transfer to developing countries. In ensuring a sustainable future of our energy, Malaysia is guided by three (3) main principles, namely security of supply, sustainability and affordability. In this regard, Malaysia has set a target of achieving 31 percent green energy use by 2025.
Madam Chair,
12. We have less than 10 years to realise the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must intensify efforts to regain the lost progress due to the aforementioned multiple crises. Malaysia will continue to engage with all multi-stakeholders to transform political commitments into actions for sustainable recovery towards rebuilding a sustainable future for all.
I thank you for your attention.