STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNDP, UNFPA & UNOPS FIRST REGULAR SESSION 2026: PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF COUNTRY PROGRAMME DOCUMENTS
- We thank you, Chair and President of the Executive Board, for convening the 2026 Regular Session.
- We also thank Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, for her presentation of the Country Programme Document (CPD) for Malaysia.
- The CPD for the period of 2026 to 2030 is a timely and important document. It builds on the strong foundation of the previous CPD cycle of 2022 to 2025, which focused on social protection, environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and good governance.
- The CPD presented today is ambitious yet grounded in reality. It aligns with Malaysia’s trajectory towards high-income country (HIC) status and eventual graduation to net contributing country (NCC) status.
- The focus on economic resilience, digital inclusion, green and blue economy, climate action, and strengthening institutions reflects a clear commitment to ensuring that development benefits are shared equitably and that no one is left behind. The programme is well-structured, outcome-oriented, and responsive to emerging national and global challenges.
- We appreciate that the CPD thoughtfully incorporates Malaysia’s national priorities, as articulated under the MADANI Economic Framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan. It also respects Malaysia’s constitutional framework and takes into account our social, cultural, and economic context.
- This CPD is also the result of extensive consultations and close collaboration between UNDP and key stakeholders. The non-exhaustive list includes key ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance, state governments, UN organisations, civil society organisations and private partners.
- This labour-intensive and collaborative process is clearly reflected in the document, which demonstrates a deep and nuanced understanding of Malaysia’s development landscape.
- We are pleased to see the long-standing and valued partnership between Malaysia and UNDP, which spans over six decades, continue to evolve and strengthen and we are confident of its further growth in the years ahead.
- In closing, we look forward to the successful implementation of this Country Programme Document and to continued close and effective cooperation with UNDP.
Thank you.
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