STATEMENT (2C) : ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE MAIN SESSION OF THE 2ND COMMITTEE

STATEMENT BY

H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD,

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)

AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE MAIN SESSION OF THE 2ND COMMITTEE

80TH SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

6 OCTOBER 2025

Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China.

2. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Lamin B. Dibba of Gambia on your election as Chair of the Second Committee, as well as to the other members of the Bureau. We are confident that your leadership will guide the Committee toward greater accomplishments.

Chair,

3.         As we approach the 60^th Anniversary of ASEAN in 2027, ASEAN will continue to be an open, inclusive, transparent, and outward-looking regional organisation, fostering a stable, prosperous, and people-centred Community.

4.         Our new vision, “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future”, reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining a rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law under the guiding principles and purposes of the UN Charter (UN) and the ASEAN Charter[1].

5.         ASEAN is more than just a market. It is a stable and strategic hub for investment, a reliable trade partner, and a key contributor to the global economy. Despite rising global trade tensions and protectionism, ASEAN remains committed to advancing its own integration. It will sign the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade at the 47^th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month, reaffirming our commitment to improve trade flows and promote sustainable and resilient supply chains in the region. ASEAN stands ready to work constructively with all partners to advance and support a resilient, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system for the benefit of its peoples and economies[2].

Chair,

6.         ASEAN envisages that the cornerstone for the region’s growth and integration is a people-centred approach, where no one is left behind. In realizing this ambition, ASEAN pledges to bridge development gaps, empower people in vulnerable situations, and expand equitable access to economic opportunities, education, social protection, and environmental sustainability[3].

7.         To this end, ASEAN is advancing the digital economy as a new engine of sustainable growth. Negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) are on track for substantial conclusion by the end of 2025. This landmark initiative will establish an open, trusted and inclusive digital ecosystem, enabling innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity.

8.         In this context, ASEAN appreciates the efforts by the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) in advancing innovative and sustainable urban development in the region. ASEAN welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN Smart City Action Plan (ASCAP) 2026-2035, developed under Malaysia’s Chairmanship. We are confident that the Plan will support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and complement our region’s efforts to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive ASEAN Community through innovative technologies and smart infrastructure[4].

9.         For decades, the vision of a connected and secure energy future for Southeast Asia has been a long-awaited promise. This year, under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, ASEAN is accelerating efforts to realize the ASEAN Power Grid, with the anticipated signing of the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding on the ASEAN Power Grid.   ASEAN is developing an ASEAN Framework for Subsea Power Cables, which will allow us to develop the necessary infrastructure for the transmission of energy. ASEAN will also launch the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Facility this month to facilitate infrastructure investment and funding by ASEAN’s external partners.

10.       ASEAN places a high priority on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Against this backdrop, ASEAN anticipates the finalisation and adoption of the ASEAN Sustainable Investment Guidelines within 2025, one of Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, to guide investment policy formulation that supports the achievements of the SDGs[5]. This includes the endorsement of the Complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, or Complementarities Initiative 2.0, at the 15^th ASEAN-UN Summit this October in Kuala Lumpur[6].

11.       Looking ahead, ASEAN has developed the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP), the successor to the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. Anchored in our Post-2025 Vision, the ACSP will strengthen regional integration through enhanced physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Chair,

12.       Further, ASEAN expresses grave concern over the increasing impact of climate-related losses and reaffirms our commitment to achieve a green ASEAN by enhancing regional coordination on climate adaptation and mitigation towards a climate and disaster-resilient and low-carbon economy region[7].

13.       In this connection, ASEAN welcomes the endorsement of the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the 30^th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) by the 18^th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment and the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.

Chair,

14.       In a world of increasing fragmentation and uncertainty, ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation offers a robust and pragmatic path forward. ASEAN, under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, aims to further reinvigorate multilateralism, with the UN at its core, to be more responsive to the complex challenges and ensure lasting peace, prosperity, and stability. In this context, ASEAN welcomes the theme of the Second Committee General Debate, ‘Five years to 2030 – Multilateral solutions for sustainable development,’ as a timely and relevant reminder of our shared responsibility to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

15.       In conclusion, I would like to reiterate ASEAN’s unwavering support and commitment to the work of the Second Committee during the current session. Please be assured of our cooperation and our constructive role in the days ahead.

Chair,

Now please allow me to briefly deliver Malaysia’s national statement.

16.       Malaysia would like to reaffirm its steadfast commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Malaysia has made notable progress, achieving 43% of SDG indicators last year, far surpassing the global average of 17%. We remain ambitious, targeting a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by policies that strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.

17.       As we reach the halfway point, Malaysia recognises that the path towards our shared goals has grown more complex. Global uncertainties persist, hindering our progress. Peace and security are under threat. Poverty, hunger, and the impacts of climate change continue to rise.

18.       We must continue working together to strengthen global cooperation, mobilise resources, foster innovation, and deepen partnerships. In this regard, Malaysia commends the ongoing efforts of the UN Development System (UNDS) to implement reforms that support programme countries to implement 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. 

19.       Malaysia stands ready to work closely with all partners, particularly through the Second Committee, to address the defining issues of our time, such as tackling the climate crisis, advancing reform of the international financial architecture, closing the digital divide, and driving forward sustainable development for all.

Thank you.