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STATEMENT (2C) : GENERAL DISCUSSION ON GROUPS OF COUNTRIES IN SPECIAL SITUATIONS (AGENDA ITEM 20), 4 OCTOBER 2023

STATEMENT BY


MR. MUHAMMAD ZULASRI BIN ROSDI

ADVISER/ LONG-TERM DELEGATE

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE

78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

ON AGENDA ITEM 20: GROUPS OF COUNTRIES IN SPECIAL SITUATIONS

 

4 OCTOBER 2023, CONFERENCE ROOM 2, UNHQ

 

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Cuba on behalf of the G77 and China, as well as Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN.

 

2.     Malaysia has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the development of groups of countries in special situations. We firmly believe that fostering global cooperation and collaboration is imperative for promoting sustainable development. The socio-economic improvement of these countries remains a paramount global concern, and Malaysia remains resolute in its dedication to this shared responsibility.

 

3.     In pursuit of these goals, Malaysia has initiated several programmes aimed at aiding other developing nations, particularly the LDCs and LLDCs. Notably, the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) has been established to provide technical assistance and capacity building in areas such as agriculture, trade, health, education, social development, and the environment. Since its inception in 1980, the MTCP has benefited over 37,000 participants. Malaysia has further instituted the MTCP Scholarship programme, extending opportunities for students from these countries to study in Malaysia, thereby enhancing their skills and expertise, which are indispensable for the development and growth of their respective communities and home countries.

 

4.     We also believe such initiatives are able to accelerate the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs and the Vienna Programme of Action for the LLDCs, respectively. On a related note, Malaysia commends the successful convening of the LDC Conference earlier this year in Doha and that Malaysia further looks forward to engaging constructively in the upcoming UN Conference on LLDCs to be held in Kigali, which presents a distinct occasion for devising a path towards sustainable development for these countries.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

5.     It is remarkable to note that the cooperative efforts among South-South partners, which have spanned over four decades, continue to hold relevance and importance in our collective pursuit of sustainable development. In addition, Malaysia strongly supports the efforts to bolster South-South cooperation through the involvement of Northern countries under the triangular cooperation modality. To this end, we have been actively implementing this arrangement in collaboration with both bilateral and multilateral agencies through the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP). It is Malaysia's steadfast belief that intensifying North-South cooperation, guided by the principles of respect, equality, and mutual benefits, is crucial in addressing global inequalities.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

6.     Early this year, the Prime Minister of Malaysia introduced the Malaysia Madani concept, which highlights the values of ethical, equitable, and efficient governance while emphasising the importance of humanity. It particularly underscores the promotion of a humane economy that prioritises the needs of vulnerable and marginalised communities. In this context, Malaysia therefore pledges its unwavering commitment to supporting and assisting the countries in special situations in advancing their economies, aligned with the Malaysia Madani principles.

 

7.     In conclusion, Malaysia remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting the development of countries in special situations. We firmly believe that through our collective efforts, we are able to make a substantial difference in the lives of the populations in those countries.

 

I thank you.