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INTERVENTION BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE OPEN DISCUSSION AT THE

HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON THE CULTURE OF PEACE:

“PROMOTING A CULTURE OF PEACE IN THE DIGITAL ERA”

 

Thank you, Mr. Moderator.

 

Malaysia also wishes to thank the esteemed panellists for sharing their insights on the theme of our forum this afternoon.

 

2.         Almost 24 years ago, this Assembly adopted the Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace which identifies eight (8) areas of action, one of which being participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge. 

 

3.         The rapid advancement of digital technologies presents an immense opportunity to advance the culture of peace and its areas of action. Unfortunately, what we see today is the complete opposite. Misinformation, hate speech and other divisive narratives that seek to instigate or abet violence are spreading rampantly, allowing hate crimes emanating from racial and religious discrimination as well as xenophobia to proliferate. A clear case in point is the alarming increase in incidents of religious intolerance, especially Islamophobia. As per the Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace, it is imperative to uphold the sacrosanct principle that all human rights are equal, and remind ourselves of the special duties and responsibilities that entail the right to freedom of expression.

 

Mr. moderator,

 

4.         Malaysia reaffirms that the eight (8) areas of action outlined in the Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace remain relevant, and have become increasingly crucial in the current global landscape. We are convinced that digital technologies can play a significant role in advancing a culture of peace, if guided by the principles of responsibility, and accountability, if motivated by compassion and respect. Digital technologies should be used to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between nations, faiths, peoples and cultures in order to advance the goal of achieving global peace. We firmly believe that action by States and stakeholders in ensuring that digital technologies are not used to stoke tensions, spew intolerance and incite violence will contribute towards the cultivation of a culture of peace, and is within the ambit of international law on the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

 

5.         Malaysia calls on all to share the collective responsibility of promoting and upholding global peace.

 

I thank you, Mr. Moderator.