00:00The global order born from the Cold War, defined by a single hegemon, is now breaking down
00:15before our eyes. Yet, as the old unipolar world recedes, the shape of things to come
00:23remains uncertain. We stand at the critical juncture where our choices will determine
00:31whether multipolarity leads to a more equitable world or deeper division. We face two possible
00:40futures. One future is a strengthened multilateralism that advances inclusivity, reduces inequality
00:53and enables decisive action on challenges like climate change. The other is a path towards
01:02block formation and increased contestation between powers. One that risks entrenching
01:12the dominance of wealthy nations and reducing multilateralism to a tomb of power blocs.
01:20The choice is clear. We need a more robust and fundamentally different kind of multilateralism.
01:29This requires global rules that prioritise equitable development, a genuine voice for
01:37developing nations and strong measures against crimes against humanity. We need inclusivity,
01:46sustainability and more pronounced justice. Excellencies, friends, the current configuration
01:58of global governance is clearly sub-optimal. It is simply unable to meet today's challenges.
02:09Poverty reduction has stalled. The pandemic pushed 120 million people once again into
02:19extreme poverty. If it is 121 or 122, you blame KRI because I asked them to check the figures.
02:29Now, the first global rise in poverty in 20 years. Today, almost a tenth of humanity lives
02:38in extreme poverty. By 2030, 600 million may face hunger. At current rates, ending
02:47extreme poverty will take decades. These outcomes are not coincidental. They arise from a system
02:56that was not designed to be inclusive. The global south faces challenges shaped by policies
03:04made without its full participation. I was thrilled in the last few weeks meeting President Lula Brazil
03:17and President Namafo South of Africa, the two leaders of two continents that shared
03:25ideas and seemed to be clearly determined to undertake an effective change. Climate impacts,
03:36conflicts, economic instability and cycles of debt have all been worsened by this exclusion.
03:45We stand therefore at a critical juncture for global justice.
03:50Israel's actions against Palestinians, war crimes, collective punishment and genocide are blatant
03:59affront to the norms of international law and fundamental human rights. These acts strike at
04:06the very foundations of the global order we all depend upon. History has shown us the power of
04:14the power of moral solidarity. In the face of apartheid South Africa, the world united to
04:23isolate a regime that had abandoned the principles of humanity, although it took decades and numerous
04:34sufferings. But today Israel's sustained aggression demands a similar response.
04:44Seven decades have passed.
04:48Palestinians leave and targeting of UNRWA have dismantled Gaza's lifeline.
04:56As we confront these challenges, ASEAN stands as an example of how South-South
05:05partnership can advance a more equitable multilateral order. Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN
05:14Chairmanship theme of inclusivity and sustainability represents a direct challenge
05:22to systems that marginalize developing nations. Our vision of ASEAN centrality demonstrates how
05:32regions of the global South can maintain independence while engaging constructively
05:39with global powers. Malaysia's engagement with BRICS is based on our recognition
05:45that as a rising, upper-middle-income nation, we share common economic concerns
05:52with other rising economic powers. Countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China,
05:58South Africa and other members of BRICS represent enormous market opportunities.
06:05Now ladies and gentlemen, as the world becomes more uncertain, Malaysia must choose every regional
06:12and international platform available to address shared concerns directly with key partners.
06:19However, promises of reform will remain mere platitudes if we cannot translate them
06:27into concrete action. When nations perpetrate violence and suffering with impunity, when
06:34millions remain trapped in poverty and when climate disasters devastate vulnerable communities,
06:41these are policy and mobile failures that demand our immediate response. The time for half measures
06:50and incremental changes has passed. The choice before us is clear. Continue with a system
06:58that marginalizes both of humanity or build a new order founded on genuine partnership,
07:09shared prosperity and sustainable development. We must act boldly to create the future
07:20our world so desperately needs.
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