Anwar highlights key issues at maiden UN address

New York: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted ongoing wars, humanitarian conflicts, and climate crises during his maiden address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its global impact, causing food shortages and hunger due to skyrocketing food prices. Anwar called for a united effort led by the United Nations to find a solution and condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Seeking peace with neighboring countries, Anwar emphasized the importance of dialogue and conflict resolution through negotiations. He criticized the international community for its hypocrisy in addressing the Palestinian issue, pointing out illegal settlements, land dispossession, and violations of international law. Anwar urged the world to speak out against these atrocities, just as they speak against human rights violations and unjust regimes.

Regionally, Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s role in addressing the Myanmar crisis through ASEAN’s five-point consensus. He also discussed climate change and its adverse impacts on Malaysia, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and erratic weather disrupting livelihoods and ecosystems. Malaysia is developing low-carbon and renewable energy roadmaps to mitigate and adapt to climate change and called on developed countries to fulfill their commitment of mobilizing $100 billion per year to support developing countries’ climate efforts.

Anwar shared the concept of Madani, which promotes core values for a harmonious society, on the global platform. He emphasized the application of these principles in international relations. The theme of this year’s General Debate is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.”

The session was chaired by Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Datuk Dr Ahmad Faisal Muhamad. Several Cabinet members, including the Home Minister, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, and the Health Minister, also attended the address.