ArchiveS
STATEMENT : GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 45TH SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION, 25 APRIL 2023
STATEMENT BY
MS. HANA NORDIN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF
THE 45TH SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION
25 APRIL 2023
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, Malaysia congratulates you on your election as Chair of the Committee as well as to other elected officers. We also appreciate the briefing by the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Melissa Fleming and commend the continued commitment of the Department of Global Communications (DGC) in strengthening the UN communication system. We also welcome Estonia as the new member of the Committee.
2. Malaysia wishes to align itself with the statement delivered by Cuba on behalf of Group of 77 and China.
Mr. Chair,
3. The Department of Global Communications (DGC) played an important role in spreading the story of the work of the United Nations worldwide. Malaysia believes that multilingualism is important to enable the wider engagement with our stakeholders. Multilingualism will ensure inclusivity, diversity, tolerance and increased participation of all stakeholders, which will increase effectiveness of the work of the organization. Malaysia calls for continued cooperation towards fostering positive appreciation of language diversity, not only in the six official languages but also in the local languages of the community.
4. Malaysia would also like to stress the importance of equal, balanced and inclusive approach in disseminating information in the three pillars of sustainable development, human rights and peace and security. While we appreciate dynamic dissemination of information in conflict areas globally as well as the existential impact of climate change, we believe, for instance, greater efforts are needed to boost awareness in the field of disarmament especially on the devastating humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.
Mr. Chair,
5. Malaysia is concerned with the continued rise in the spread of disinformation and misinformation, which can be used, among others, to mislead and incite violence, hatred, discrimination or hostility. In today’s world, information battles can bring instability and pose a threat to peace and security. It is a battle that we must win. Malaysia commends the work of the DGC in promoting the Verified initiative as part of its efforts to combat disinformation and misinformation and the #NoToHate campaign against hate speech and hateful rhetoric.
6. Even UN personnel and peacekeepers have not been spared and have fallen victim to situation stemming from misinformation, disinformation and hate speech campaigns. Improving communication strategies that take into account the peculiarities of the local situation is crucial in improving protection of UN personnel and peacekeepers as well as effectiveness of UN missions. In this regard, Malaysia appreciates the “Service and Sacrifice” campaign, thanking the troop- and police-contributing countries, as part of the effort to promote their work.
Mr. Chair,
7. As we speak, digital transformation is taking place at a warp speed in the internet world and across multiple domains. With the ever-evolving technological developments, there is also increased reliance on the use of digital information and communications technologies. Nevertheless, there are still pockets of community still unconnected digitally. The technological transformation had also been at a very uneven pace. The digital divide within and between countries is a barrier that must be overcome to enable inclusive and resilient development towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
8. To keep at par with the technological advancement, Malaysia calls for and support the efforts by the DGC in modernizing and strengthening of the UN communication system. Malaysia however underscores the importance that the enhancement progression must be inclusive to include both digital and traditional platforms so as to bridge the information divide.
9. Malaysia also appreciates the work by the DGC in the effort to develop a Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platform. We recognize the importance of the effort, not only to build a more humane digital space, it is vital in facing the challenges and threats posed by highly evolved technologies including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Malaysia believes that continuous discussion and cooperation among Member States and engagements with relevant stakeholders would bring a comprehensive result and in turn a coordinated and collective action by all stakeholders to ensure a healthy digital space.
Mr. Chair,
10. In conclusion, Malaysia reiterates the importance of strengthening local and global partnership in promoting greater UN’s communication system. Malaysia stands ready to working closely with all stakeholders by complementing UN’s efforts in the field of information and communication.
I thank you.