Malaysia assumes presidency of UN Security Council
Malaysia has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for August.
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This is the second time Malaysia has taken up the role since its inclusion as a non-permanent member to the Council for the 2015-2016 term, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on August 3.
The UNSC Presidency rotates monthly among 15 member nations, including five permanent and 10 non-permanent members, based on the first letter of their names in English alphabetical order.
In its term, Malaysia plans to convene an open debate on weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) on August 23 to address new threats and challenges in preventing the proliferation of WMDs, related materials and technologies to non-state actors.
The country will also chair a discussion on measures to protect children in armed conflicts. Other matters that will be deliberated by the Security Council are the issues of Palestine, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.
As the Security Council President, Malaysia will also facilitate the selection process by the Security Council for the next UN Secretary-General to replace current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who is expected to end his term by the end of December 2016.
