Malaysia reiterates call for reform in UN as world body marks 77 years

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has reiterated the call for reform in the United Nations (UN) to reflect today's changing world and the complex challenges faced by the global community as the world body observed its 77th anniversary today.

It underscored that a reform would be the best method in reviving the efficiency and effectiveness of the UN, especially by abolishing the veto power.

"Malaysia believes that UN reform is long overdue. The world that we live in today has undoubtedly changed drastically compared to the early days of the UN. Our challenges today are more immense, complex, and interconnected.

"It is obvious that the UN is in a dire need to retain its position as a beacon of democracy, inter alia, to address and resolve the various conflicts around the world in a just and fair manner," Foreign Ministry said in a statement here, Monday, in conjunction with the 77th Anniversary of the UN or commonly known as UN Day.

"As such, these challenges can only be addressed through greater cooperation and a reinvigorated multilateralism system," it added.

The theme for this year's UN Day, "Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity", recognises the need for the international community to work together in rebuilding a better world from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; based on the principle of peace and prosperity for all.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Malaysia would like to renew its commitment to the UN, by playing a more active role that would contribute towards greater international cooperation, based on the principles of mutual respect and international law that are enshrined in the UN Charter.

Malaysia has been an active and responsible member in fulfilling its commitments in realising the United Nations (UN)'s purposes and principles, as enshrined in the UN Charter; and the country will continue to promote the three founding pillars of the UN - security, human rights and development - that are equally important, interrelated, and interdependent.

"For Malaysia, it would continue to play a leading role in resolving conflicts and disputes in the region. Trust and confidence building are vital in the pursuit for a fair, stable and peaceful World Family," the statement read.

It also noted that despite several important milestones and momentous meetings of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the 10th Review Conference of Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in June and August respectively, the lack of a meaningful outcome serves as a reminder of the need to strengthen efforts towards nuclear disarmament.

On the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development roadmap, it said Malaysia is determined to implement and fulfill its mandate with the UN acting as the centre of the country's combined efforts.

In the pursuit to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Malaysia is committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030 and set targets to reach 31 per cent of renewable-energy use by 2025.

"Additionally, Malaysia will establish a national SDG Centre to monitor the progress of implementing the SDGs," said the statement.

The theme for this year's UN Day, "Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity", recognises the need for the international community to work together in rebuilding a better world from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; based on the principle of peace and prosperity for all.

Malaysia joined the organisation upon gaining its independence in 1957.

The UN Day, observed annually on Oct 24, commemorates the coming into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

-- BERNAMA