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Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia elected UN-Habitat Assembly president for 2025-2029
Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming described the presidency as 'a shared glory for all Malaysians', citing the country's efforts in sustainable urban development. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysia has been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. In a statement, the housing and local government ministry said the appointment was unanimously endorsed by all 193 UN member states during the assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, today. Malaysia takes over from Mexico, which previously held the presidency on behalf of the Latin America and Caribbean region. For the current term, Malaysia will co-hold the presidency and a seat on the executive board with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. 'Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambition with local realities,' Nga said in his acceptance speech. 'To strengthen multilateralism and the UN-Habitat agenda, both Malaysia and the UAE call upon member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda.' Nga added that Malaysia's appointment reflects international recognition of the country's leadership. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians, as we continue to demonstrate our commitment and achievements in sustainable urban development, with 53% of our 156 local governments now leading Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR), putting us on track for full nationwide coverage by 2030. 'In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and with steadfast dedication to the principles of the United Nations,' Nga said. UAE's representative, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said it was an honour to jointly lead the assembly with Malaysia. 'This collaboration is marked by strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future,' he added. Headquartered in Nairobi, UN-Habitat was established in 1975 and became a full UN programme in 2001. It is the UN's top decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and meets every four years to shape global policies for cities and human settlements.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Polis pushes for housing law compliance
(DENVER) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis is putting his foot down to try and improve the housing crisis across the state. Polis signed an executive order on Friday, May 16 to prioritize state funding for counties and cities that comply with seven laws related to housing, which have been signed into law within the last two legislative sessions. 'The legislature voted, we signed them,' Polis said. 'Others are a little slower, so we, through the Department of Local Affairs, we really want to have a toolbox and help local governments achieve compliance.' Some of the bills Polis is focusing on include HB24-1007, which eliminated residential occupancy limits. Others Polis mentioned include HB24-1152, which gives homeowners the ability to add a second small dwelling next to their property or attached to a single-family house. Five of the bills went into effect last year while two were signed by Polis this year. 'It's about getting it [the housing crisis] solved, whether it's the federal government helping with housing, whether it's the state, whether it's your city,' Polis said. FOX21 News reached out to local leaders in southern Colorado for comment on the issue and received several statements. The spokesperson for the Pueblo Mayor's Office told FOX21 News in a brief statement that the city will be 'compliant' with the laws mentioned. However, Pueblo County Commissioners Paula McPheeters and Zach Swearingen took a much different tone and seemed to disagree with the move. In her statement to FOX21 News, McPheeters said: 'Withholding grants derived from taxpayer dollars is one way to compel compliance. Pueblo County is not Denver or Boulder County.' Swearingen continued the trend in his statement, saying, 'To restrict funding to communities that may need the most help is not the way to help this situation.' FOX21 News also reached out to Mayor Yemi Mobolade's office, along with the spokesperson for both the Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Commissioners, who were not able to provide comments by our deadline. Polis's executive order states Oct. 6 is the date that these laws will become a requirement in order to apply for state grant assistance. Current projects being funded will not see any impacts until then. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
