STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA /
CHARGE D’AFFAIRES a.i.
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
AT THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE REVITALIZATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S THEMATIC DEBATE ON THE SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND OTHER EXECUTIVE HEADS
20 FEBRUARY 2025
Esteemed Co-Chairs,
Thank you for convening this important debate and thank you to the briefer for his presentation. Malaysia has the honour of speaking on behalf of the 10 members of ASEAN.
Co-Chairs,
2. The UN Charter describes the Secretary-General as the chief administrative officer of the Organization.[1] In reality, the role extends beyond this formal description. The Secretary-General serves as the face and voice of the UN. They act as a peacekeeper and advocate, as well as navigate complex geopolitical realities. The Secretary-General also shoulders the heavy responsibility of holding together the multilateral system with the UN at its core.
[1] Article 97, Charter of the United Nations
3. Given these important role and heavy responsibilities, it is essential that the selection process for the Secretary-General is inclusive, transparent and accountable. It must also be independent, free from undue political influence, to ensure that the Secretary-General can act impartially in global affairs. Transparency is essential to encourage trust and demonstrate that the process is fair, based on merit, and accountable to the international community.
Co-Chairs,
4. Allow me to convey the following three points:
Gender balance
5. First, ASEAN believes it is crucial that greater attention is given to ensuring gender representation in the selection of the Secretary-General.[1] The absence of a woman in this role – after almost 80 years of the UN’s existence – is a significant gap in representation. Member States should take practical steps to actively promote and nominate qualified women candidates, to foster a more inclusive and diverse leadership at the helm of the UN.
Impartiality and integrity
6. Second, it is imperative that candidates in future selection processes are required to disclose any funding sources related to their candidature, ensuring full transparency and mitigating any potential conflicts of interest.[2] ASEAN welcomes the requirement that the Secretary-General-designate shall take an oath of office before the General Assembly during a swearing-in ceremony,[3] as it reinforces the commitment to impartiality and accountability. The formal declaration ensures that the individual entrusted with this important leadership role upholds the interests of the UN and is held responsible to the member states,[4] fostering greater trust in the organization's leadership.
[1] Paragraph 77, A/RES/77/335, Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, adopted on 1 September 2023.
[2] Paragraph 64, A/RES/77/335, Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, adopted on 1 September 2023.
[3] Paragraph 67, A/RES/77/335, Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, adopted on 1 September 2023.
[4] Annex I – Oath of office of the Secretary-General, A/RES/77/335, Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, adopted on 1 September 2023.
Geographical representation
7. Third, geographical balance and distribution are essential in the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General and executive heads of the UN.[1] Maintaining this balance ensures that all regions are fairly represented in leadership roles. This geographical balance and rotation should be maintained in future iterations of the resolution to strengthen a just and inclusive system.
Co-Chairs,
8. ASEAN remains supportive of the Revitalization of the General Assembly agenda and of the efforts of this Working Group. We will continue to contribute constructively and are ready to assist with initiatives to strengthen the process for the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General and other executive heads of the UN.
I thank you.
[1] Paragraphs 59, 68, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, A/RES/77/335, Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, adopted on 1 September 2023.
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