Dr Mahathir to stress multilateralism, joint action against common challenges in UN address

Dr Mahathir upon his arrival in New York (Bernama)

New York: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will deliver Malaysia’s national statement at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday.

He is expected to highlight current developments in the world and stress on the importance of multilateralism as well as the need for countries to work together in addressing common challenges, Malaysia’s news agency BERNAMA reported.

Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to speak at the ‘Environmental Stewardship in Addressing Poverty to Achieve Sustainable Development for All’ event on Thursday.

Malaysia is the main organizer with support from Turkey, Pakistan and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Another highlight of Dr Mahathir’s itinerary is his participation in the Leaders Dialogue 6 on ‘The 2020 – 2030 Vision’ in conjunction with the Sustainable Development Goals Summit.

The Malaysian leader will also attend the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University and meet with potential investors, the news agency added.

The 94-year-old prime minister kicked off his working visit to the US for the UNGA by participating in a high-level side event called the ‘Rohingya Crisis – A Way Forward’, at the UN headquarters soon after his arrival.

Malaysia is the co-host of the event along with Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Canada.