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STATEMENT : GENERAL DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEM 26: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 79TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

STATEMENT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEM 26: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 79TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

                                UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 4 OCTOBER 2024                              

 

Thank you Chair,

 

My delegation wishes to congratulate you on your election as Chair of the Third Committee. You can be assured of our support and constructive engagement.

 

We align ourselves with the statements delivered by Viet Nam on behalf of ASEAN and Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

 

Chair,

 

  1. Our world is encountering unprecedented challenges due to ongoing conflicts and unrests, coupled with devastating impacts of climate change, and the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have affected progress already made in several areas, including social development.

 

  1. In order to mitigate the impacts of these challenges, Malaysia is pursuing a strategy that promotes inclusive social development, and is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

 

 

  1. Following the review of the 12th Malaysian Plan in November 2023, the Government is implementing economic reforms aimed at building a sustainable, prosperous, and high-income nation. It is a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders. To support this effort, the Government has allocated 30 billion Malaysian Ringgit for 2023-2024, specifically for poverty eradication through the creation of various job opportunities and enhancing social protection.

 

Chair,

 

  1. Malaysia continues to pay attention to issues affecting women. Women continue to be empowered and protected. In this connection, the Government has enacted the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and amended the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, both of which have already entered into force in 2023. The amended Penal Code introduces a new offence of stalking. We will continue to strengthen legislative frameworks to address discrimination especially against women.

 

  1. Recognising the critical role of youth as the future of the nation, the MADANI Youth Development Model 2030 (MPBM2030) was launched in May 2023 to complement the Malaysian Youth Policy (MYP) and aligns youth empowerment with national and global agendas. It tackles post-pandemic challenges such as those related to digitalisation and youth well-being, with emphasis on ten key issues including employment, finance, mental health, and leadership.

 

  1. As an ageing nation, Malaysia is taking proactive steps to close the gaps in ensuring the full enjoyment of rights by older persons. Currently Malaysia is developing a comprehensive Ageing Nation Agenda Blueprint, which focuses on five clusters, namely economy, education, finance, health, and well-being. The Blueprint aims to empower older persons to lead lives with dignity and self-worth.

 

  1. Cognisant of the vital role of social work in social development, the Government is currently implementing Stakeholder Mapping to assess the needs and contributions of various parties in the care industry. The strengthening of the care sector will not only address the needs of elderly care but will also benefit two other vulnerable groups; persons with disabilities (PWDs) and children.

 

Chair,

 

 

  1. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its peoples. We will continue to strive to ensure that no segment of our society is left behind. We look forward to collaborating with fellow Member States, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to realize this important objective.

 

I thank you.