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

STATEMENT BY

H.E. DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

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

AT THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNICEF

Thank you Chair,

Malaysia welcomes the opportunity to consider the Country Programme Document for Malaysia for the period 2026–2030 and expresses its sincere thanks to UNICEF for the close and constructive engagement with the Government throughout its preparation.

2. Malaysia notes with appreciation that the Country Programme is aligned with the priorities of the 13^th Malaysia Plan, in particular Strategy B4.6 on enhancing children’s wellbeing. In this regard, the programme provides focused support in key areas, including addressing nutritional needs and imbalances, promoting equitable access to education, strengthening safety and disaster risk reduction, and protecting children from all forms of violence, discrimination, abuse and exploitation, in order to ensure a healthy, safe and enabling environment for children to grow and thrive.

3. With an indicative budget of USD 4.265 million to be approved from Regular Resources and USD 53.836 million from Other Resources, largely generated from individual and corporate donors in Malaysia, the Country Programme reflects a shared commitment and trust between the Government of Malaysia and UNICEF.  The programme is designed to drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes for children in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We also recognise the continued contribution of UNICEF in supporting the formulation and strengthening of child-related policies in Malaysia, through evidence-based analysis, technical expertise and policy dialogue, to ensure that no child is left behind. 

Chair,

4. Malaysia places strong emphasis on national ownership in the implementation of the Country Programme. In this regard, we look forward to continued close collaboration with UNICEF in the development and implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan, to ensure that activities on the ground remain fully aligned with national priorities, policies and institutional arrangements.

5. In conclusion, Malaysia expresses its support for the proposed Country Programme Document and looks forward to working closely with UNICEF to further advance the rights, protection and wellbeing of all children in Malaysia.

I thank you.