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STATEMENT BY

COL AHMAD ZAMBERI ISHAK

DIRECTOR OF DEFENCE LOGISTIC,

MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES HEADQUARTERS

 

AT THE 2026 CONTINGENT-OWNED EQUIPMENT WORKING GROUP OPENING CEREMONY

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Thank you for convening the 2026 Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity for Member States to review reimbursement rates and to consider issue papers related to the technical standards, procedures, and policies governing the Contingent-Owned Equipment reimbursement system.

 

At the outset, Malaysia reaffirms its strong commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations as a vital instrument for maintaining international peace and security. Malaysia has consistently been a steadfast supporter of UN peace operations. Since our first participation in 1960, Malaysia has contributed to more than 38 peacekeeping operations worldwide, deploying approximately 40,000 peacekeepers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).

 

Mr. Chair,

 

We remain deeply concerned about the UN’s liquidity constraints, which could undermine the sustainability and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. We strongly believe that assessed contributions must be paid in full and on time to ensure the continuity and success of peace operations.

 

The safety and security of peacekeepers remain a top priority for United Nations peacekeeping operations. As conflict environments become increasingly complex and volatile, peacekeepers face growing and multifaceted threats. In this context, the COE Working Group must strengthen efforts to improve peacekeepers’ working conditions and ensure they are adequately equipped to operate safely and effectively in today’s challenging and uncertain environments.

 

Malaysia stands ready to improve the ongoing process of the UN Peacekeeping Operations COE Reimbursement System in an inclusive, structured, and comprehensive manner. In this regard, Malaysia will present two issue papers in this Working Group on major equipment and self-sustainment topics.

 

To conclude, Malaysia reiterates its strong support to UN peacekeeping missions. We owe it to ourselves and our stakeholders in ensuring effective peacekeeping that can adequately respond to new and evolving challenges. We truly hope the 2026 Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group will succeed and look forward to implementing its outcomes.

 

Thank you.