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STATEMENT BY

 

H.E. AMBASSADOR AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE REVITALISATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

THEMATIC DEBATE ON THE WORKING METHOD OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ECOSOC CHAMBER, NEW YORK,

25 APRIL 2024

 

 

Distinguished Co- Chairs,

 

My delegation extends its appreciation to you, Ambassador Feruta of Romania and Ambassador Rambally of St Lucia for convening this Meeting. We also thank the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Main Committees for their insightful and comprehensive briefings. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement of the Non- Aligned Movement delivered by Algeria.

 

Distinguished Co- Chairs,

 

In the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics and complex global issues, the review of the General Assembly’s working method is vital to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of the overall UN system. Hence we wish to highlight the following points:

 

First, Malaysia welcomes the Conference Paper on the evolution of the GA agenda, prepared by the Secretariat. As the GA agenda items expand to encompass an ever-growing array of issues, it is extremely important that we recognize the linkages between agenda items.  By identifying common themes, cross-cutting issues, and complementary initiatives, delegates can streamline discussions and enhance the coherence and effectiveness of the outcomes. Malaysia therefore supports concerted efforts to streamline the agenda of the GA by eliminating certain items, or turn them into biennial or triennial agenda items.

 

Second, Malaysia supports the convening of the informal meetings of the General Committee throughout the 78^th session of the General Assembly, including the participation of facilitators of GA processes. As one of the Vice Presidents of the GA, Malaysia finds these informal meetings useful.  The Meetings provide a platform for the Committee and facilitators to discuss updates, and present recommendations on the on-going processes. Malaysia further commends the PGA for extending the invitation to the wider member states to enhance inclusivity and transparency.

 

Third, Malaysia advocates the harnessing of technology and digitalization to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the General Assembly. It can bolster the public profile of the GA and make its work resonates better with tech-savvy global public.  In relation to this also, Malaysia welcomes the use of e-deleGATE to enhance the efficiency of the work of the General Assembly. This centralized e-services has enabled Member States to better navigate the internal work flow of the UN system.  Malaysia further encourages all UN subsidiary bodies to leverage on this module and is hopeful that there will be more applications subscribed to the e-deleGATE in the future. The briefing and demonstration on the use of e-deleGATE modules is a useful initiative that should continue.

 

Finally, Malaysia looks forward to the briefing by the Secretariat to be held in June to address issues raised in GA Resolution 77/335. We also value the document on the status of implementation of the resolution, prepared by the Secretariat. The briefing and the document will help us to take stock of the progress and assess the implementation of the resolution.

 

Co-chairs,

 

The revitalization of the work of the General Assembly should be a continuous process that would benefit from constant innovation.  It also requires our collective resolve to succeed. Malaysia is committed to continue its constructive participation in this process.

 

Thank you.