STATEMENT BY DPR
UNGA HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON
TROPICAL FOREST FOREVER FACILITY (TFFF)
23 SEPTEMBER 2025
CONFERENCE ROOM 3, LEVEL 1B, UN HEADQUARTERS
03:00 PM
Your Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil,
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Malaysia is pleased to participate in this High-Level Event on the Tropical Forest Forever Facility. We commend the visionary leadership of President Lula da Silva and the Government of Brazil in advancing this initiative.
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia regards the Facility as a transformative mechanism to mobilise sustainable finance, enhance international cooperation, and advance innovative forest conservation.
At the national level, Malaysia has consistently pursued sustainable forest management. Key frameworks, include the Malaysia Policy on Forestry, the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022–2030, and landscape-level initiatives such as the Central Forest Spine and the Heart of Borneo.
We would like to see and work with Brazil and partners to ensure the success of this important initiative. To make it a greater success, Malaysia is of the view that the Facility could give due consideration to the following elements:
First, clarity on eligibility and definitions of forest areas: Malaysia recommends recognising both legally gazetted and satellite-monitored forest areas, and clear guidance on distinguishing degraded or deforested zones.
Second, safeguarding national data and confidentiality: Access should be limited to essential monitoring information, without granting external parties’ full access to national forest monitoring systems.
Third, ensuring a transparent and predictable financial structure: Fund disbursement should align with national governance systems, with clarity on bond issuance, guaranteed minimum payouts, and contingency measures for shortfalls.
Fourth, fair governance and engagement of state governments: In Malaysia’s federal system, consultation with state authorities is necessary before commitments. Facility governance should also ensure equitable representation.
Finally, clear guidance on support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs): The 20% allocation to IPLCs must be implemented with recognition of existing national programmes to ensure transparency and avoid duplication.
Mr. Chair,
As Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia underscores the importance of regional coordination. The Facility is a welcomed complement to ASEAN’s efforts in sustainable forest management, community forestry, and capacity-building.
Moving forward, Malaysia stands ready to work with Brazil and others to develop a Facility that is inclusive, practical, and aligned with national and regional priorities.
Thank you.
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