STATEMENT : EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNDP, UNFPA & UNOPS SECOND REGULAR SESSION 2026: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE UNDP ADMINISTRATOR

STATEMENT BY

MS. WAN NUR AZHANI SYAMIM ABD AZIZ 

SECOND SECRETARY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

NEW YORK 

AT THE

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNDP, UNFPA & UNOPS SECOND REGULAR SESSION 2026: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE UNDP ADMINISTRATOR

26 AUGUST 2026

1. We thank you, Chair and President of the Executive Board, for convening the 2026 Second Regular Session of the Executive Board. We also thank the UNDP Administrator, Mr. Alexander De Croo, for his candid and forward-looking statement. 

    

   Chair, 

    

2. Malaysia values its close and longstanding partnership with UNDP. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing our national development priorities through policy expertise, capacity-building, and the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

    

3. Malaysia also recognises UNDP’s invaluable contribution to developing countries in advancing nationally determined priorities and accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda.

    

4. We share the Administrator’s conviction that development must remain central to our collective efforts. This conviction will guide Malaysia’s engagement as we take our seat on ECOSOC for the term 2027-2029 and is reflected in the priorities we highlight today.

    

5. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes UNDP’s continued emphasis on national ownership and on partnerships tailored to the priorities and circumstances of programme countries. Development cooperation is most meaningful when it strengthens national capacities and translates global commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of people everywhere.

    

6. We particularly value UNDP’s efforts to advance South-South and triangular cooperation. Developing countries have valuable experiences, knowledge and solutions to share. By facilitating these exchanges, UNDP can help strengthen cooperation that is responsive to national priorities, inclusive and mutually beneficial.

    

7. At the same time, Malaysia underscores the importance of adequate, predictable and flexible financing to support the achievement of the SDGs. As development financing evolves, new approaches should remain guided by national ownership and country priorities, while complementing international development cooperation. 

    

8. Malaysia also supports the broader objectives of the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative. We welcome efforts to improve coordination and efficiency across the UN system, while ensuring that national priorities and effective delivery remain at the forefront.

    

   Chair, 

    

9. The challenges before us are considerable, but so too are the opportunities before UNDP to bring together countries, institutions and partners around our shared development aspirations.

    

10. Malaysia remains confident in UNDP as a trusted, responsive and effective development partner and looks forward to continuing our close cooperation towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

     

Thank you.