STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY 3 OCTOBER 2025
Mr. Chair,
It is my great pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In this regard, allow me to convey our congratulations to you, Excellency Cherdchai Chaivaivid as Chair, as well as to the rest of the members of the Bureau, for assuming the responsibilities of spearheading the work of the Third Committee at this 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
2. Since its founding more than five decades ago, ASEAN has been a cornerstone for peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia, enabling the region to grow, integrate and engage meaningfully with the wider world. Today, as we confront complex and interlinked global challenges, the need for strengthened multilateralism and enhanced international cooperation has never been more relevant and pressing.
3. ASEAN remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering regional and international cooperation. In close partnership with the United Nations, external partners and the international community, ASEAN seeks to advance common agendas in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which sets a forward-looking course for a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred region.
4. As we look ahead, ASEAN reaffirms its steadfast commitment to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, advancing multilateralism, and upholding a rules-based international order. Guided by the spirit of unity and ASEAN Centrality, we will continue to foster cooperation that promotes peace, stability, sustainable development, and the well-being of our peoples in an inclusive and forward-looking manner.
Health
Mr. Chair,
5. ASEAN continues to strengthen regional health cooperation through a whole of-Government and whole-of-Community approach, building on lessons from the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group on Public Health Emergencies (ACCWG-PHE), together with ASEAN health sectoral bodies and other relevant ASEAN organs, remains pivotal in addressing emerging and re-emerging health threats through coordinated, multi-sectoral, cross pillar and multi-stakeholder efforts.
6. In advancing regional preparedness, ASEAN has implemented the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR) Strategic Plan (2021–2025) to further enhance regional resilience in vaccine research, development, and production. ASEAN has also convened the first Regional Consultative Meeting on ASEAN Diagnostic Security and Self-Reliance (ADxSSR) to strengthen regional capacity in diagnostics development and supply for future public health emergencies. We reaffirm the importance of the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies as a key mechanism to strengthen rapid and equitable access to essential supplies in times of crisis.
7. Building on the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, ASEAN has expanded regional health cooperation to include health system strengthening, universal health coverage, digital health, and the integration of health into disaster risk management. We have also launched initiatives, including the Airborne Infection Defense Platform to address tuberculosis and other airborne infections, and the ASEAN Nutrition Guidelines and Minimum Standards in School Nutrition and Maternal Nutrition aimed at ending all forms of malnutrition. We further reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to increasing investments in immunisation and sustainable health financing, ensuring equitable access to quality health care services for all.
8. We commend the continued role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and reiterate ASEAN’s call for enhanced global collaboration in public health. We underscore the importance of equitable access to essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics as global public goods. ASEAN remains committed to knowledge-sharing,
and exchange of best practices to collectively address ongoing health challenges to better prepare for future pandemics and any emerging health-related threats.
Human Rights
Mr. Chair,
9. ASEAN reiterates that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and reaffirms our adherence to the purposes and principles of ASEAN as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, in particular the respect for and promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, bearing in mind the significance of national and regional particularities and various political, economic, legal, social,
historical, cultural and religious backgrounds.
10. ASEAN Member States continue to work closely with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in implementing the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2021–2025 and its Priority Programmes/Activities, which touch on key topics including the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, migrant
workers and other persons in vulnerable situations, as well as emerging thematic areas including environmental rights, business and human rights, digital rights and trafficking in persons. Furthermore, the Work Plan for 2026-2030 is currently being finalized.
11. We are also pleased that AICHR’s ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Clean, Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment and ASEAN Declaration on Promoting Peace, Inclusive Growth, Sustainable Development, and the Right to Development will be submitted to the 47th ASEAN Summit for adoption later this month.
12. Over the past year, ASEAN has advanced practical cooperation through AICHR-led dialogues and platforms including the 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue and AICHR thematic dialogues on human rights and policing. These efforts reflect ASEAN’s emphasis on open, constructive dialogue, cooperation and capacity building as set out in the Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue.
13. We reaffirm our commitment to promote the mainstreaming of human rights across the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, through consultation among ASEAN organs, relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, Entities and other relevant stakeholders, and to explore possibilities of regional cooperation, and solidarity with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms to complement the building of the ASEAN Community in the region.
Social Development
Mr. Chair,
14. ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to fostering cooperation in social welfare and development aimed at raising the standard of living of our peoples, especially for the poor and persons in vulnerable situations, while building a harmonious, inclusive, people-centred and resilient ASEAN Community. Guided by the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and now working towards realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, we are determined to ensure that ASEAN remains steadfast and resilient in addressing emerging challenges, including the impacts of climate change, demographic shifts, economic uncertainties, disasters and other global trends, while promoting opportunities for sustainable and equitable development for all.
15. The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD) continues to serve as a key platform in enhancing responsive and adaptive social protection that is age and gender responsive, disability-inclusive, accessible and shock-responsive and adaptive to the needs of persons in vulnerable situations, ensuring that no one is left behind. ASEAN’s goals remain aligned with international commitments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
16. We remain committed to enhancing provisions related to population ageing, ensuring the rights and dignity of older persons, and building an age-friendly society within ASEAN. We recognise the care economy as a strategic priority for ASEAN in
preparing for an ageing region and underscore the importance of cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening social protection that directly benefits the lives of ASEAN peoples.
17. ASEAN also recognises the transformative role of digital technology and innovation as well as data-driven tools in extending the range, efficiency and transparency of social protection systems, while ensuring the security of personal data and promoting digital inclusion. We emphasise the importance of evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and data management to ensure adaptive, accessible, sustainable and equitable social protection across ASEAN.
18. Our people remain at the heart of ASEAN’s efforts. We will continue to accelerate ASEAN-led regional and national efforts to strengthen social protection and address the diverse needs of our peoples, also in collaboration with ASEAN Partners, civil society, the private sector and communities. In doing so, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to realise a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN Community by 2045, ensuring that no one is left behind in our path towards a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous region.
Advancement of Women and Rights of the Child
19. ASEAN reaffirms the importance of the inclusiveness and active participation of women and girls in ASEAN’s social and economic development agenda. Building on the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021-2025, the ASEAN Declaration on Gender Equality and Family Development 2023, and the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Advancement of Women in ASEAN 1988, we underscore our commitment to ensuring that women and girls remain the pivotal agents of resilience, sustainable development, peace and community building in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
20. ASEAN continues to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Regional Study on Women, Peace and Security. This effort is complemented by the Action Agenda on Mainstreaming Women’s Economic Empowerment in ASEAN and the ASEAN Declaration on the Gender-Responsive Implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, which commit ASEAN to ensuring women’s leadership and gender-responsive policies across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community.
21. The 2025 ASEAN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Summit, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to advancing the WPS agenda as integral to peace, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Summit reviewed progress in implementing the Regional Plan of Action on WPS, addressed emerging challenges, and marked global milestones, while commending Malaysia’s launched of its National Action Plan on WPS and welcoming the ASEAN WPS Community of Practice to strengthen women’s leadership in building resilient and inclusive communities towards ASEAN Vision 2045.
22. The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) and the ASEAN Women’s Entrepreneur Network
(AWEN) continue to play their vital roles in promoting gender equality and women empowerment, as well as safeguarding the rights of women and children. We encourage the effective implementation of the ACWC Work Plan 2021–2025, which emphasises on strengthening institutional mechanisms to promote and protect the rights of women and children, and look forward to the development of the ACWC Work Plan 2026–2030 to ensure continuity and sustained progress.
23. ASEAN Member States, as States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), remain firmly committed to protecting and promoting the rights of children. ASEAN Member States have adopted national and regional frameworks, as well as established mechanisms to ensure respect for a full range of children’s rights, as enshrined in the Ha Noi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2016-
2025 ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence against Children which commits ASEAN to a region where all children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse and neglect. In this regard, we welcome the ASEAN Declaration on the Prevention of Child Labour, including the Elimination of its Worst Forms (2024), and remain committed to accelerating implementation in partnership with all relevant stakeholders.
24. The advancement of women and protection of children’s rights are closely linked to the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME)’s mandate under Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025 (SAP SMED). Women entrepreneurs and women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to inclusive growth, directly supporting SAP SMED goals on innovation, capacity-building, and market access. Strengthening gender
responsive policies and empowering women in entrepreneurship not only enhance MSME competitiveness but also contribute to ASEAN’s broader vision of resilience and sustainable development.
Transnational Crime, Crime Prevention, Drugs and Cybercrime
Mr. Chair,
25. ASEAN remains deeply committed to protecting our regional and global community against transnational crime and extremism. The ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) continues to coordinate at the highest level the region’s response to transnational crimes such as trafficking in persons, terrorism, cybercrime, money laundering and drug trafficking. At the recent 19th
AMMTC in September, we adopted the Melaka Declaration on Combatting Transnational Crime, reaffirming and strengthening our collective commitment and concerted actions to counter and combat transnational crime in the region.
26. ASEAN Member States continue to strengthen cross-sectoral and cross-pillar cooperation in implementing regional initiatives, recognising that threats such as cybercrime, online scams, trafficking in persons, and other forms of transnational organised crime increasingly exploit cross-border vulnerabilities. The adoption of the ASEAN Plan of Action in Combating Transnational Crime (2026–2035), succeeding the 2016–2025 Plan of Action, stands as a clear testament to our strong commitment
to further strengthening regional cooperation in preventing and combatting transnational crime.
27. In addressing terrorism, trafficking in persons, smuggling of illegal migrants and related transnational crime, including irregular movement of persons, ASEAN builds on existing frameworks, while enhancing intelligence sharing, mutual legal assistance, and law enforcement cooperation to safeguard the security of the region and to protect the rights and dignity of all affected persons. This commitment is further reinforced through the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Work Plan Against Trafficking in Persons (2023-
2028), as well as the ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalization and Violent Extremism (2018-2026) which involves the integration and coordination of efforts between ASEAN Sectoral Bodies.
28. Drug-related crime remains a concern, and we are committed to our vision of a Drug-Free ASEAN by upholding a zero-tolerance approach toward illicit drugs. ASEAN reaffirms the full implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan in Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs (2016-2025), and draws upon new frameworks such as the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR) adopted in May 2025, emphasizing self-reliance, supply reduction, prevention, and community resilience. ASEAN’s determination to combat the drug problem is further complemented by the work of the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Center (ASEAN-NARCO) and relevant drug monitoring networks, paying particular attention to illicit drug production and trafficking.
29. In view of the rapidly growing threats in the cyber sphere, ASEAN is committed to building an open, secure, stable, accessible, interoperable, and peaceful ICT environment in the region. This commitment is demonstrated with the establishment of the cross-sectoral and cross-pillar ASEAN Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee (ASEAN Cyber-CC) as well as the operationalisation of the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). ASEAN has also been advancing the Regional Action Plan on the Implementation of the Norms of Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace to further strengthen regional cyber governance.
30. We also emphasize the importance of capacity building in cybersecurity in the region. Ongoing capacity-building initiatives led by the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence and the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre are pivotal to enhancing member states’ abilities to respond to evolving cyber threats effectively and collaboratively.
31. At the international level, this October, Viet Nam is hosting the Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, highlighting ASEAN Members’ continuing dedication to enhancing legal frameworks and cooperation against cyber threats.
32. The ASEAN Cyber Defence Network (ACDN) and the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE), working under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) framework, continue to safeguard the region’s cyber space. The ACDN links cyber defence operation centres of ASEAN Member States to promote and enhance a secure and resilient cyber space through greater
collaboration, while the ACICE promotes information sharing and capacity building among ASEAN’s militaries for the cyber and information domains.
Mr. Chair,
33. Let me conclude by underscoring that the world today stands at a critical juncture. The complex and interlinked challenges we face call for a stronger global solidarity and renewed commitment to multilateralism. For ASEAN, the choice is clear. We will continue to uphold ASEAN Centrality and reiterate the importance of strengthened regional and international cooperation in advancing our shared objectives.
34. On behalf of the ASEAN Member States, please be assured of our steadfast commitment and readiness to contribute constructively and proactively to the deliberations of the Third Committee during this 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
I thank you.
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