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STATEMENT BY

H.E. AMBASSADOR AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE REVITALIZATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

THEMATIC DEBATE ON THE ROLE AND AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ECOSOC CHAMBER, NEW YORK,

28 MARCH 2024

 

Distinguished Co- Chairs,

 

Thank you for convening this thematic debate. Our appreciation also goes to Assistant Secretary General Mr. Khaled Khiari for his insightful presentation. Malaysia fully supports General Assembly Resolution 77/335 on the ‘Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly’ adopted in 2023. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Algeria on behalf of the Non- Aligned Movement. Please allow us to add a few points in our national capacity.

 

Co- Chairs,

 

The United Nations was founded on the principles of collective action and cooperation among nations, including in international peace and security. However, the effectiveness of these principles has been severely compromised when the Security Council, as the guardian of international peace and security, is frequently in paralysis due to the veto exercised by the permanent members.  Thus, it is imperative for the General Assembly to be able to step up and play a stronger role in addressing issues of peace and security, in line with the UN Charter.

In this regard, GA Resolution 377A (V), ‘Uniting for Peace’ has been extremely pivotal in strengthening the role of the General Assembly.  For example, under this resolution, the Tenth Emergency Special Session (ESS) of the General Assembly to discuss the situation in Gaza was held twice in 2023, following the gridlock at the Security Council.  As a result, two General Assembly resolutions on Gaza were adopted. The overwhelming votes in support of the resolutions, represent the collective will of all Member States, give the resolutions enormous moral authority, and this is extremely significant at times when the Security Council is mired in paralysis.

 

Malaysia also calls for the full implementation of GA resolutions on a non-selective basis. It is an important demonstration of our commitment to uphold the rule of law. Without effective implementation, these resolutions are almost worthless and it risks undermining the legitimacy, authority, credibility and trust in the UN multilateral system.

 

Co-Chairs,

 

Here, Malaysia also wishes to stress the need for better coordination and complementarity between the agendas of the General Assembly and its Main Committees. Improved coordination between the General Assembly and its Main Committees is essential in addressing multifaceted challenges comprehensively. The Main Committees provide the valuable opportunity to delve deeper into specific issues within their respective mandates. By aligning their agendas with the broader priorities set by the General Assembly, we can avoid duplication of efforts, streamline discussions, and maximize the impact of our collective actions.

 

Finally, Malaysia deems it imperative for United Nations intergovernmental bodies, within their respective mandates, to effectively address the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Closer collaboration between the General Assembly and ECOSOC, along with its subsidiary bodies, is indispensable for advancing sustainable development and promoting inclusive growth. ECOSOC serves as the central platform for coordinating the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. By integrating the outcomes of ECOSOC's deliberations and the work of its subsidiary bodies into the General Assembly's agenda, we can foster synergies, leverage expertise, and mobilize resources more effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Co- Chairs,

 

The General Assembly is the core component of UN multilateralism, embodying the collective will and aspirations of all Member States. It sets the global development agenda and deliberates over a wide-range of issues that impact the lives of people around the world. As the main deliberative and representative organ of the UN, the role and authority of the General Assembly is supreme.  We therefore reiterate our commitment to support the AHWG and its work. The revitalization of the General Assembly is imperative to further enhance its effectiveness and efficiency, which is vital to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations system.

 

I thank you.