STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE

INFORMAL MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BRIEFING BY THE SECRETARIAT ON THE UN80 INITIATIVE

 

 

Madam President,

 

1. I thank the Under-Secretary-General and the briefers for their updates.

 

2. Malaysia appreciates the ambition underpinning the UN80 Initiative as we have heard from the briefers.  Allow us to briefly respond to the presentations.  

 

3. On the humanitarian track, Malaysia notes the scale of need highlighted in the Global Humanitarian Overview and the push to simplify planning processes under the Humanitarian Reset. The approaches outlined by the Executive Director of UNICEF are pragmatic steps forward. If implemented well, improvements in logistics and supply chain can free up more resources to help those in need, directly. 

 

4. We agree with speakers before us that reforms must remain strongly guided by humanitarian principles and respect for international humanitarian law.  Better coordination of agency roles and stronger humanitarian diplomacy should support clear mandates and clear lines of responsibility.  We welcome continued clarity and more information on how impact will be measured, and how savings will be quantified.     

 

5. On training and research, Malaysia sees merit in the proposed consolidation efforts. Greater alignment across training and research functions can strengthen coherence and financial sustainability.  A clearer knowledge-to-practice continuum, linking research outputs more directly to capacity-building for Member States, would be a welcomed outcome. However, these reforms must ensure that governance oversight by Member States remains robust. The phased approach outlined in the briefing pack, including consultations with governing boards and Member States, is therefore important.

 

6. Still on training and research, Malaysia would appreciate further information, when it is available, on transition risks, the impact on staff, the expected costs and savings, and the safeguards to ensure fair geographic representation, and access for developing countries. 

 

Madam President,

 

7. In closing, Malaysia looks forward to engaging further in a transparent and inclusive process.

 

I thank you.