M’sia to make case for UN relevance, stronger multilateralism at general assembly

Malaysia is expected to use its national statement at the 81st United Nations (UN) General Assembly this week to stress the need for stronger multilateralism and for the UN to remain relevant amid growing scrutiny of the global body.

Malaysia’s permanent representative to the UN, Nadzirah Osman, said the UN must remain relevant, revitalised and empowered to fulfil its role of delivering peace, justice and dignity for all humanity.

“At a time when multilateralism is under scrutiny and facing a growing trust deficit, the international community must move beyond words and commit to collective, concrete action.

“No country can actually address today’s global challenges alone,” she told a press conference ahead of foreign minister Mohamad Hasan’s arrival for the 81st general assembly from Sept 23 to Sept 27.

This year’s assembly, themed “Restoring trust, managing transformation, a United Nations that delivers for all”, comes amid growing questions about the effectiveness of multilateralism and the organisation’s ability to respond to global challenges.

US president Donald Trump criticised the UN’s effectiveness and bureaucracy in his address to the assembly on Tuesday, arguing that countries need to take action rather than relying on international institutions to resolve conflicts.

Besides strengthening multilateralism, Mohamad’s national statement, scheduled for about 4.30pm New York time on Sept 26, is also expected to touch on the question of Palestine and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, UN and Security Council reform, development gaps and sustainable development goals.

The UN is facing financial pressures and a leadership transition, with secretary-general Antonio Guterres due to leave office at the end of the year.

The race to replace him includes four women among seven declared candidates, all of whom previously led their respective countries, Nadzirah said.

“Regardless of who takes the seat, the reform process must continue,” she said, citing the UN80 Initiative launched by the secretary-general and the organisation’s financial difficulties as reasons why timing was critical.

Mohamad is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with eminent persons and foreign ministers from countries such as Nepal, Iran, Kuwait, Ghana, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Algeria.

He will also meet Guterres, the assembly’s president Khalilur Rahman and Commonwealth secretary-general Shirley Botchwey.

This will be Mohamad’s third time leading Malaysia’s delegation to the general assembly since taking over the foreign affairs portfolio in December 2023.

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