The COVID-19 pandemic came at a time of eroding international solidarity, as unilateralism stoked intensifying rivalries between major powers. The pandemic only worsened the situation, as nations were forced to look inwards as they scrambled to manage the spread of the coronavirus and the ensuing social and economic crises.

But as many countries began to realise, it is only through broad and deep cooperation can the world deal with issues of common concern. The most immediate challenge is COVID-19 and its related problems, but there will also be the issues of climate change and food security, among others.

Enhancing MFA’s coordination with MITI would be a key element of this focus area. Malaysia will advocate for a robust multilateral trading system to address protectionism and isolationism. It will also use multilateral platforms such as ASEAN to deal with political and humanitarian issues.

The 17 global objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a crucial part of Malaysia’s long-term development plans, and embedded in its five-year Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).

With sustainable development the major theme for the world’s COVID-19 recovery, Malaysia has stated its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050 while continuing its leading efforts in addressing issues such as poverty and inequality, health, education and housing.

Malaysia will reclaim its status as a consequential actor in global efforts to promote sustainability, while bolstering domestic cooperation to ensure its constructive efforts at home are reflected in its international image

Like the rest of the world, Malaysia’s economy suffered greatly from the trade and travel disruptions caused by COVID-19.

In 2020, exports of goods and services fell 8.5 per cent, foreign direct investments fell 55 per cent and tourist arrivals plunged 83 per cent.

External trade is a key pillar to Malaysia’s economy. Restarting the sector will require a multi-pronged effort towards safe inter-regional travel, besides bolstering regional integration of trading systems in Southeast Asia.

To this end, all the relevant government ministries and agencies need to work together to create post-COVID health standards such as digital vaccination certificates and COVID-19 testing to best manage the coronavirus without having to again fall back on isolationist policies.

Amid the global rise in identity and nationalist politics, Malaysia’s long-held tenets of moderation and tolerance have become more important than ever to address divisive political, social and religious posturing.

With its reputation as a trusted and successful broker for peace, Malaysia can position itself as a regional centre for dialogue and peace-building.

Malaysia can also offer itself as an international development partner of choice, while working with international organisations to build the foundation for peace in nations and regions ravaged by conflict.

Vaccine equity remains a global issue after nearly two years since COVID-19 struck, as only two percent of over 5.5 billion doses administered globally had gone to recipients in low-income nations.

In the long run, there is a need for global accountability in pandemic preparedness, but in the immediate term there must be greater global solidarity to ultimately end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia recognises the importance of and will pursue global public health equity, which includes working towards establishing deeper medical and pharmaceutical cooperation both at home and abroad to ensure that we, as well as our partners, are better prepared to face the current and future health crises.

The digital economy has long been a driver of Malaysia’s economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it even more prominent, as extended lockdowns and movement restrictions accelerated the adoption of online solutions to everything from food delivery to video conferencing.

But beyond getting your favourite nasi lemak delivered to your door, the digital economy covers a much broader scope that includes building information and communications technology infrastructure, developing and applying artificial intelligence, and having the right regulations and training to make it all work, among others.

While Malaysia works towards building local capacity, the government through its various ministries and agencies will also be building closer regional cooperation besides pulling in foreign investments to ensure we remain competitive.

With the global economy making a rapid transition to all things digital, cybersecurity takes on an increasingly important role in ensuring all countries are sufficiently protected, not only from thefts by hackers but also in upholding their rights and interests.

To this end, Malaysia will push for tech neutrality and for nations to adopt domestic and international mechanisms to encourage responsible state behaviour in tech and cyberspace. Malaysia needs to be among the countries that are involved in setting the rules of the road for cyberspace. This would require that we train a cadre of cyber diplomats.

At the same time, Malaysia will promote inclusivity, diversity, tolerance, respect and other values that form the foundation for traditional international relations, in the digital sphere.

Malaysia’s multicultural society has been a mainstay of its international identity, whose mix of distinct but intertwined cultures serve as the foundation for the values of moderation, peace and harmony.

The nation’s historical and cultural heritage, however, offer more avenues to showcase and communicate the values that inform Malaysia’s foreign policy decisions, from its historical significance as a trade route to the cultures that Malaysia shares with its regional neighbours.

Malaysia’s efforts towards interreligious dialogue and its social policies are also aspects that will be promoted to ensure the world sees the country’s values of diversity, tolerance and respect, while not forgetting its rich throve of arts and food.