Malaysia prepares to assume UN-Habitat presidency, eyes broader urban development role
PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia prepares to assume the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025-2029 term, the government aims to leverage this role to deepen international cooperation and promote sustainable urban planning practices both domestically and abroad.
In a statement Wednesday (June 4), the Housing and Local Government Ministry said the appointment is expected to create opportunities for strategic partnerships, enhance Malaysia's participation in global urban policy discussions and support more coordinated efforts to address urban challenges.
"This is the first time Malaysia will hold the presidency of the UN's highest urban development platform, marking a significant international recognition of the country's commitment to advancing the global urban development agenda," the statement said.
The ministry added that the role aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which focuses on building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities.
During this term, Malaysia would serve as president and hold a seat on the Executive Board alongside the United Arab Emirates, jointly representing the Asia-Pacific region.
Upon his return from Nairobi, Kenya, where the election was held during the recent UN-Habitat Assembly, Minister Nga Kor Ming was welcomed by ministry staff in a brief gathering to mark the milestone.
The ministry noted that this leadership role offers a platform to share Malaysia's experiences while also learning from international best practices.
Nga expressed gratitude to the ministry and its agencies for their support in strengthening Malaysia's urban development policies and initiatives on the global stage, as well as for their efforts in developing frameworks that promote livable and sustainable urban spaces.
"This is not just the ministry's success, but a victory for all Malaysians. We will shoulder this responsibility together for the future of our cities," Nga said. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Junta protests UN labour violations resolution
The junta hit back at a UN resolution aimed at curbing labour violations in the war-torn nation, calling it 'politically motivated'. The International Labour Organization (ILO) on Thursday invoked Article 33 of its constitution which could see sanctions imposed against the military authorities which seized power in a 2021 coup. The United Nations' labour agency said countries should ensure their relations with Myanmar 'in no way enable, facilitate or prolong the violations of workers' rights in respect of freedom of association and forced labour'. It called on international bodies to 'report any activities... directly or indirectly enabling or abetting' labour violations under Myanmar's junta government. Yesterday, Myanmar's Labour Ministry released a statement saying the resolution had been adopted 'without due partiality and fairness' and was based on 'politically motivated approaches'. A UN investigation into Myanmar in October 2023 urged the country's military rulers to end forced labour in the army and to halt all violence against trade unionists. The resolution adopted on Thursday at the ILO's 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva said Myanmar's military authorities had not indicated 'any sign of meaningful acknowledgement' of the 2023 report's recommendations. Myanmar said it had been 'actively implementing' the recommendations and had made 'continuous progress' and accused the ILO of 'turning a blind eye' to its efforts. The International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Pacific said it was the third time in the ILO's century-long history that Article 33 has been invoked. — AFP
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
UNRWA slams Israeli ban on foreign media access to Gaza
ANKARA: Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), on Saturday condemned Israel's ongoing ban on international journalists entering Gaza, calling it an unprecedented act in modern conflict. 'This is unprecedented in any other conflict in modern history,' Lazzarini said in a statement, Anadolu Ajansı reported. 'It is a ban on the truth. It is a ban on reporting the facts. It is the perfect recipe to fuel misinformation, deepening polarisation and dehumanisation.' He stressed the importance of allowing independent reporting and supporting local journalists: 'International journalists must independently report from Gaza and support their Palestinian colleagues who continue to do a heroic job at a heavy price.' 'Nearly 200 of them have been reported killed since the war began,' said Lazzarini, stressing that 'the ban on international media must be lifted.' Meanwhile, UNRWA on Saturday reiterated its call for cooperation from the Israeli government over allegations made against the agency, stating that no credible evidence has been provided despite repeated requests. 'UNRWA has repeatedly requested cooperation and evidence from Israel regarding the serious allegations made against the agency,' the agency said in an official statement. 'After 20 months, UNRWA has not received any response, nor has the Government of Israel shared any sufficient evidence.' The agency emphasised its continued commitment to its humanitarian mandate, stating: 'UNRWA remains committed to its mandate and is ready to deliver humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza, together with other UN agencies.' Israel, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a genocidal offensive in Gaza since October 2023, killing nearly 54,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Aid agencies have warned about the risk of famine among the enclave's more than 2 million inhabitants.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Penang to review housing discount for Indian Muslims at next exco meeting
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has agreed to review and discuss the five per cent housing discount for first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers at the upcoming state executive council (exco) meeting. State DAP chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. "I acknowledge the public feedback regarding the five per cent discount given to the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of unsold property units (overhang) in Penang. "I have discussed this matter with YAB Chow (Kon Yeow), and he has agreed to bring this issue up for review and discussion at the upcoming exco meeting," he said in a statement. As a party founded on the Federal Constitution, Sim said DAP had always championed justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. "It is important for the Penang state government to continue upholding the principle of social justice and to ensure the rights of every Malaysian to own a home are protected," he added. does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies. He said the initiative was part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities.
