STATEMENT : PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF MALAYSIA’S UNFPA COUNTRY PROGRAMME DOCUMENT (CPD) AT THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF U

STATEMENT BY

H.E. DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF MALAYSIA’S UNFPA COUNTRY PROGRAMME DOCUMENT (CPD)

AT THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNDP, UNFPA AND UNOPS

Thank you Chair,

At the outset, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to UNFPA for the close and constructive engagement throughout the preparation of the Country Programme Document for Malaysia for the period 2026–2030.

2. The country programme, which is fully aligned with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan and our national development priorities, provides a timely and relevant framework to support the Government’s efforts to advance inclusive and sustainable development, in line with the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda. 

3. We particularly welcome UNFPA’s support in the development of costed and evidence-based action plans, which will be important in strengthening national ownership and in maximising domestic investments in priority areas such as sexual and reproductive health services; maternal, adolescent and youth health; gender equality; and population and demographic analysis.

Chair,

4. As Malaysia continues to experience a gradually ageing population, we recognise that demographic shifts will have significant implications for our labour market, social protection systems and long-term development planning. We therefore value UNFPA’s role as a trusted technical partner in supporting the Government of Malaysia to better understand the social and economic dimensions of population ageing.

5. In this context, Malaysia looks forward to working closely with UNFPA on the development of comprehensive cost-benefit analyses focusing on the socioeconomic impacts of formalising care work. Such evidence will be crucial in informing national policy discussions on the care economy, strengthening long-term care systems, and ensuring that care work is recognised as a key contributor to inclusive growth and social wellbeing.

Chair,

6. Malaysia remains committed to advancing inclusive and people-centred policies across key sectors including health, wellbeing, gender equality, and youth empowerment, while promoting population-responsive development and ensuring that national planning is firmly grounded in robust evidence and national priorities. We are confident that the proposed country programme will further strengthen institutional capacity, support effective policy implementation and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s broader social and economic transformation agenda.

7. In closing, Malaysia expresses its full support for the adoption of the UNFPA Country Programme Document for Malaysia for 2026–2030. We look forward to continuing our close and productive partnership with UNFPA in the years ahead.

I thank you.