STATEMENT BY THE
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK
AMBASSADORIAL MEETING OF THE GROUP OF 77
WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY–GENERAL
22 MARCH 2022, 3.00 PM – 6.00 PM, CR 1,2,3 (UNHQ)
Mr. Chair,
1. At the outset, my delegation would like to thank you for convening this important meeting today. We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for being here and engaging with the Group despite his busy schedule.
2. We share the concern that the overall economic outlook does not look promising as a result of the regressive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and conflict. According to the World Bank, global growth is expected to decelerate to 4.1% in 2022.
Mr. Chair,
3. Unlike advanced economies, output and investment in developing countries will remain substantially below the pre-pandemic trend owing to lower vaccination rates and tighter fiscal policies. In this context, Malaysia underscores the importance of affordable and equitable access to vaccines for developing countries, particularly the LDCs. Malaysia believes that global sustainable recovery from the pandemic would only be possible if and when inclusive vaccination is available for all. In this context, we must work harder to achieve the target of 70% global vaccination rate by the middle of the year.
4. In addition, developing countries continue to be severely inflicted by climate change. Two-thirds of developing countries rely heavily on commodity exports but production supplies have been disrupted due to climate change. This underscores the importance of strengthening global cooperation in tackling the impacts of climate change faced by vulnerable populations. In this regard, Malaysia will continue to call on the developed partners to take the lead in providing new, adequate and consistent financial assistance as well as technological transfer to support developing countries in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Mr. Chair,
5. Turning to Our Common Agenda, Malaysia welcomes the report by the Secretary-General. My delegation wishes to stress the importance of an inclusive and transparent process in discussing the proposals in the report – guided by shared values, mutual respect, and multilateralism. We stand ready to engage in this process, including engaging and working together with multi-stakeholders.
6. Malaysia is further of the view that it is important to kick-start the intergovernmental negotiations on the recommendations contained in the report as soon as possible. In this regard, Malaysia believes that we need to identify and consider selected proposals that require urgent attention and consideration by Member States this year and roll over the consideration of other proposals subsequently.
Mr. Chair,
7. On the UN Ocean Conference, my delegation would like to express appreciation to Pakistan for the leadership as well as Morocco for steering the expert level consultations on the essential elements to be included in the Political Declaration. On the BBNJ, Malaysia appreciates Pakistan for coordinating the Group’s position at the recently-concluded Fourth Intergovernmental Conference.
8. With regard to the Third South Summit, Malaysia looks forward to receiving updates pertaining to the convening date as well as its current state of preparation. My delegation hopes with the downward trend of the COVID-19 situation worldwide, the Group would be able to gather in Kampala and hold the Summit in-person without further delay.
Mr. Chair,
9. To conclude, Malaysia hopes that there will be more similar sessions with the UN top officials in the future such as today dedicated for the purpose of sharing and highlighting the concerns as well as interests of developing countries on various important issues. On that note, I wish to highlight Malaysia’s readiness to work closely with fellow G77 members in our collective commitment to advancing and safeguarding the interests of developing countries.
Thank you.
