NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan called for a Green Development Pact that addresses the scientific and technological divide between the Global North and South.
In his address at the Summit of the Future at the United Nations headquarters yesterday, he stressed the urgency of tackling critical global challenges, including food security, access to education, and climate change, which are key thrusts in the Sustainable Development Goals but are severely lagging behind.
"Malaysia believes that we should strive for a Green Development Pact that robustly addresses these divides, supported by climate financing and development assistance projects," he said.
"The Global North should not leave the Global South behind."
Mohamad is representing Malaysia at the summit, which is being held in conjunction with the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's support for the summit and the Pact for the Future, adding that it is time to galvanise holistic global governance premised on humanity.
"Conflicts and challenges are confronting us each passing year, becoming costlier and deadlier," he noted.
"From the inability to stop the genocide in Gaza to the impacts of climate change and the widening development gaps between the Global South and North, it is time to galvanise holistic global governance grounded in humanity.
"The Summit of the Future is an opportunity to redesign global governance that is effective for the present and the future.
"Our efforts will be futile if we do not tackle the threefold challenges of food security, education access, and climate change," he emphasised, noting that millions in the Global South are deprived of fundamental rights, including education.
Mohamad also called for stronger collaboration between nations and proposed the establishment of a Global Science Fund to foster innovative solutions to global challenges, shaping a future where the Global South is recognised not as consumers of technology, but as pioneers and innovators.
He urged the international community to democratise education and invest in digital infrastructure to ensure all children have access to quality education.
Additionally, he called for adequate climate financing, technology transfer, and innovation to address the climate crisis.
"As we embark on this journey, let us remember that this is not a competition, but a shared battle against prevailing challenges," he said, reiterating Malaysia's commitment to transforming global governance through inclusive, just, and accountable multilateralism, paving the way for a sustainable future for all.