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The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
With its new UN role, the UAE can shape the conversation on the towns and cities of tomorrow
The UAE's election to the presidency of the General Assembly of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), along with its membership in the Executive Board, is both a profound honour and a significant responsibility. This achievement underscores the UAE's growing stature on the global stage and affirms international recognition of our progressive, human-centric approach to urban development and sustainability. Over the past five decades, the UAE has undergone an extraordinary transformation – from a collection of modest desert communities into a global exemplar of innovative, sustainable urbanisation. Cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have emerged as architectural landmarks and models of integrated infrastructure, smart technology and inclusive development, all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This evolution has been guided by long-term national strategies, including UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Vision 2031, which emphasise sustainability, innovation and community well-being. Our investments in smart city development, renewable energy and inclusive housing policies uniquely position us to contribute meaningfully to UN-Habitat's mission. At a time when the world faces intensifying challenges related to rapid urbanisation, climate change and widening socio-economic disparities, the role of UN-Habitat is more vital than ever. The UAE's leadership in the General Assembly and Executive Board comes at a pivotal moment – demanding pragmatic solutions, innovative thinking and inclusive action. As we assume this leadership role, the UAE is committed to close collaboration with member states and international partners. Our efforts will be anchored in three strategic priorities: advancing sustainable urbanisation, fostering innovation and ensuring that cities are resilient and responsive to the evolving needs of their populations. A special focus will be placed on strengthening urban resilience in the Global South, where infrastructure demands are most acute and populations are expanding rapidly. The UAE brings to this role not only financial and diplomatic resources, but also a deep, practical understanding of how to catalyse effective, scalable urban change. Public-private partnerships, technological innovation and climate resilience will be central to our approach – areas in which the UAE has demonstrated global leadership. These pillars will be instrumental in helping cities around the world adapt to a rapidly changing environment marked by ecological, economic and social uncertainties. Equally important is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We firmly believe that sustainable cities must also be equitable – places where women, youth and marginalised groups are not only included but empowered. The UAE has consistently promoted inclusive urban planning, and we will continue to champion this principle through our work with UN-Habitat. The UAE brings to this role not only financial and diplomatic resources, but also a deep, practical understanding of how to catalyse effective, scalable urban change In taking on this role, the UAE is ready to share its experiences, listen actively to the needs of diverse communities, and facilitate meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. We recognise the importance of humility in leadership and are committed to learning from others as much as we contribute. The UAE does not seek to lead alone, but to lead in partnership. We stand as an example of what is possible when vision, ambition and shared values come together in pursuit of a more sustainable, equitable urban future. Together, let us build cities that are not only smarter but more inclusive – cities that drive opportunity, protect our environment and embody the best of what humanity can achieve when united in purpose.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India, Indonesia forge stronger anti-terror ties
New Delhi: India and Indonesia held brainstorming sessions on counterterrorism and deradicalisation this week during a visit to Jakarta by a multi-party MP delegation led by JDU leader Sanjay Jha. The delegation interacted with the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world's largest Islamic civil society group, as well as members of Indonesia's Golkar and NasDem parties, media houses, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora. Discussions focused on shared values of peace, the threat of extremism, and the need for deeper cooperation on counterterrorism efforts. During talks with NU leaders KH Ulil Abshar Abdalla and Kholili Kholil, the Indian delegation sought Indonesia's continued support against terrorism. The NU leadership condemned attacks on civilians, expressed solidarity with India, and called for joint efforts to combat terrorism and promote regional peace. India is also consulting Indonesia to blunt Pakistan's attempts to pass anti-India resolutions at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Jakarta has consistently backed India's territorial integrity and distanced itself from Pakistan's Kashmir stance, with support from countries like Egypt, Oman, Kazakhstan, and Bahrain following the Pahalgam terror attack. Colombia retracts remark on Operation Sindoor Live Events Meanwhile, in a diplomatic win, Colombia has retracted its earlier statement expressing concern over civilian casualties during India's Operation Sindoor in Pakistan. The retraction came after strong objections by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is heading a multi-nation parliamentary delegation. Speaking in Bogota, Tharoor stressed, "There is no moral equivalence between terrorists and those defending their nation." Colombia's Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio acknowledged the Indian position and said a fresh statement would be issued after understanding the facts of the conflict. "We now have detailed information about the real situation and what happened in Kashmir," she said, adding that Colombia values continued dialogue with India.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Elected as WHO Executive Board Vice-Chair
Saudi Arabia has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board for the term 2025-2028, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Kingdom took part in the WHO Executive Board's first meeting of the 157th session in Geneva, Switzerland, after the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly. During the 78th session, Saudi Arabia was elected as WHO Executive Board Vice-Chair based upon the decision of the World Health Assembly. The Assembly elected Australia as the Executive Board Chair, as well as Norway, Togo and Thailand as Vice-Chairs. The Executive Board includes 34 members representing WHO member states. It plays a pivotal role in implementing the decisions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly. Moreover, it oversees priority health programs and policies regionally and internationally. The election of Saudi Arabia as Vice-Chair of WHO Executive Board underscores the growing international confidence in the Kingdom's status and influential role in enhancing global public health and its firm commitment to supporting WHO's efforts to address health challenges. The undersecretary for international cooperation at the Saudi Ministry of Health, Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, led the Kingdom's delegation to the meeting, on behalf of the Saudi Health Minister, Fahad Al-Jalajel. The Saudi delegation reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening international cooperation to achieve global health security and build a more sustainable future. Short link : Post Views: 4
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
UN-Habitat presidency cements Malaysia's standing in sustainable urban development
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's election as president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, representing the Asia Pacific region, marks a significant milestone that reaffirms the country's leadership role in shaping global discussions on sustainable urban development. In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said Malaysia was unanimously elected during the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 30 to serve as president of the Assembly from June 2025 to June 2027. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming will represent Malaysia and preside over the Assembly during the two-year presidential term. The ministry added that Malaysia will also serve as one of the 36 members of the UN-Habitat Executive Board for a two-year term from June 2027 to June 2029. "The UN-Habitat Assembly and the Executive Board are the primary mechanisms of the United Nations that set policy direction on sustainable urban development and human settlements. "The ministry wishes to thank all 193 Member States of the UN-Habitat Assembly for their overwhelming support and confidence in Malaysia to lead the Assembly and steer the Executive Board towards advancing the implementation of the United Nations New Urban Agenda for the period 2025 to 2029. "The ministry, especially through the High Commission of Malaysia in Nairobi as the Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, will continue to work closely with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to ensure Malaysia's tenure in the governance of the UN body is a sterling success," the statement said. In a separate statement yesterday, Nga had said that the appointment marked the first time Malaysia would assume a leadership role in UN-Habitat, a responsibility the country is fully prepared to undertake as it showcases its achievements and offers practical solutions to global urban challenges. The four-year presidency follows UN-Habitat's system of regional rotation. Malaysia, he said, will succeed Mexico, which has represented Latin America and the Caribbean from 2019 to 2025.
BusinessToday
3 days ago
- Politics
- BusinessToday
Malaysia Elected President Of UN-Habitat Assembly, Minister Nga Kor Ming To Lead
The UN-Habitat Assembly has unanimously elected Malaysia as President of the Assembly and as a member of its Executive Board. Nga Kor Ming, in his capacity as the Minister of Housing and Local Government, will represent Malaysia and preside over the Assembly as President for a two-year term from June 2025 to June 2027. Malaysia will also serve as one of the 36 members in the UN-Habitat Executive Board for a two-year term from June 2027 to June 2029. The UN-Habitat Assembly and the Executive Board are primary mechanisms of the world body that sets policy direction on Sustainable Urban Development and Human Settlements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to thank all 193 Member States of the UN-Habitat Assembly for their overwhelming support and confidence in Malaysia to lead the Assembly and steer the Executive Board towards advancing the implementation of the United Nations New Urban Agenda for the period 2025 to 2029. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially through the High Commission of Malaysia in Nairobi, as the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN-Habitat, said it will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to ensure Malaysia's tenure in the governance of the UN body is a sterling success. Related
