Excerpts from Malaysia Country Statement at Informal Meeting of the Plenary to Mark the Thirtieth Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, 29 April 2024, New York

Thirty years ago in Cairo, various concepts and approaches in the realm of population and development has been debated by Malaysia, putting the interests of our peoples at the centre of our collective discussion in order to improve the quality of lives of men, women, families and communities.

Malaysia, together with 178 other countries adopted the Programme of Action (POA) of the ICPD to spur necessary measures in addressing critical issues and challenges on population and development. Malaysia is fortunate to have enabling political, economic, and social environment which has allowed us to formulate related policies and strategies as well as undertake necessary legislative and institutional changes to fulfil our commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action. Over the last thirty years, Malaysia has implemented many programs and intervention strategies to integrate population factors in socio-economic development planning to enhance the wellbeing of its citizens.

Sustainable and inclusive development has always been a key principle in the nation’s development planning. Efforts to mainstream the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in national development planning were undertaken via the alignment of SDGs in the five-year national development plans, the development of the SDG data and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder institutional framework.

“Over the last thirty years, Malaysia has implemented many programs and intervention strategies to integrate population factors in socio-economic development planning to enhance the wellbeing of its citizens.”

Malaysia continues to practise a unity in diversity approach, while emphasising governance, social cohesion and partnership. Local authorities actively engage with SDGs through initiatives like Voluntary Local Reviews, which have demonstrated a general resilient recovery from COVID-19, in various economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Despite these achievements, Malaysia acknowledges ongoing challenges, including poverty, malnutrition and healthcare demands. The nation remains dedicated to ensuring inclusive economic growth, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19, with continued efforts to address inequality, manage health burdens, and transition towards sustainability.

“The Government will continue to work towards creating policy prescriptions that are fair, equitable as well as inclusive, in commitment of ‘leaving no one behind’ in efforts to remain a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the ICPD, Malaysia reaffirms the commitment to the ICPD-POA. The Government will continue to work towards creating policy prescriptions that are fair, equitable as well as inclusive, in commitment of ‘leaving no one behind’ in efforts to remain a peaceful and prosperous nation.