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The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
UN-Habitat presidency poised to boost global standing
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's election as president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025-2027 term is a recognition of the country's achievements and will elevate its profile on the global stage. Senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara's Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies Dr Mazlan Che Soh, who disclosed this, said the prestigious role would enable Malaysia to showcase its sustainable development model and serve as an example to others. 'As UN-Habitat president, Malaysia will have the opportunity to influence the direction of global policies in urbanisation, affordable housing, disaster management and climate change. 'The role will also enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with UN agencies, member states and NGOs in implementing sustainability-driven projects,' he said, Bernama reported. Mazlan said the appointment also enabled Malaysia to become a leading voice for developing countries in sustainable urbanisation, social equity and inclusive development. He said Malaysia could also leverage its presidency to spearhead regional cooperation in building resilient, inclusive and smart cities, as well as create a regional centre of excellence. Mazlan highlighted Malaysia's strong commitment to the sustainability agenda, including the introduction of the Second National Urbanisation Policy, which emphasises inclusivity, environmental responsibility, resilience and smart technologies. 'The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 promotes inclusive economic growth, balanced regional development and environmental conservation while under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals have been integrated into national development planning,' he added. He pointed out that several policies had also been developed in line with global sustainability principles, including the National Environmental Policy and National Policy on Climate Change. On Friday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that Malaysia's presidency was unanimously approved by 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Set up in 1975 and elevated to a full programme by the UN General Assembly in 2001, the UN-Habitat Assembly is the highest global decision-making body when it comes to sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. It convenes every four years and plays a crucial role in shaping global policies on cities and communities. As president, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board and global partners to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promoting inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities worldwide.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia's election as UN-Habitat Assembly president boosts global standing
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's election as president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025-2027 term is a recognition of the nation's achievements and offers a strategic platform to elevate its profile on the global stage. Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Dr Mazlan Che Soh, said the prestigious role would allow Malaysia to showcase its sustainable development model and serve as an example for other countries. 'As UN-Habitat president, Malaysia will have the opportunity to influence the direction of global policies in urbanisation, affordable housing, disaster management and climate change. 'The role will also enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with UN agencies, member states and non-governmental organisations in implementing sustainability-driven projects,' he told Bernama. Mazlan added that the appointment enables Malaysia to become a leading voice for developing countries in sustainable urbanisation, social equity and inclusive development. He said Malaysia could also leverage its presidency to spearhead regional cooperation in building resilient, inclusive and smart cities, as well as establish a regional centre of excellence. Mazlan highlighted Malaysia's strong commitment to the sustainability agenda, including the introduction of the Second National Urbanisation Policy, which emphasises inclusivity, environmental responsibility, resilience and smart technologies. 'The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 promotes inclusive economic growth, balanced regional development and environmental conservation, while under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals have been integrated into national development planning,' he said. He pointed out that several policies have also been developed in line with global sustainability principles, including the National Environmental Policy and the National Policy on Climate Change. On Friday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that Malaysia's presidency was unanimously approved by 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 1975 and elevated to a full programme by the UN General Assembly in 2001, the UN-Habitat Assembly is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. It convenes every four years and plays a crucial role in shaping global policies on cities and communities. As president, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board and global partners to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promoting inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide.
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia to champion sustainable development
MALAYSIA is well-positioned to champion a sustainable development model that balances economic growth, social justice and environmental preservation through the consolidation of best practices among ASEAN member states, said International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi. He said the country is strategically placed to lead this new development approach in the region, given its consistent commitment to green policies, transition to renewable energy (RE) and circular economy initiatives. 'ASEAN comprises 10 countries, each with distinct strengths and expertise. As chair this year, Malaysia can act as a catalyst for a sustainable development model that is not dependent on the unsustainable frameworks of developed nations,' he told Bernama. According to Zainal Abidin, the climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future concern but a current reality, requiring ASEAN member states to adopt bold policies and act collectively. He added that ASEAN must shift from an exploitative growth model to one that prioritises climate resilience, sustainable resource management and social justice. Zainal Abidin says Malaysia must use its ASEAN chairmanship to drive bold, collective action on sustainability (Source: Indigenous communities in the region have long practised environmentally balanced lifestyles, including sustainable land management and internationally recognised controlled burning techniques. The academic stressed that the ASEAN 2025 theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' must be translated into concrete policy actions and not remain mere rhetoric. 'Without inclusivity, inequality will continue to widen and progress will not last without sustainability. Therefore, as ASEAN chair for the fifth time in 2025, Malaysia must lead the collective commitment to ensure today's development does not burden future generations,' he said. Zainal Abidin added that Malaysia can serve as a bridge between regional economic interests and urgent environmental conservation needs by promoting a development approach that integrates technological innovation, good governance and multi-stakeholder cooperation. 'Malaysia can set an example for ASEAN member states in making development and sustainability complementary strategies by strengthening the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles,' he said. He also proposed that Malaysia take a leading role in fostering regional noble values by advocating fair access to education, technology and economic opportunities, while enhancing the participation of women, youth and communities in ASEAN policy-making processes. Malaysia has shown a clear commitment to addressing climate change through the National Environmental Policy (NEP), Green Economy Framework (GEF), New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) and emphasis on RE and carbon emission reduction. Zainal Abidin said as host of the ASEAN Summit 2025, Malaysia holds a strategic opportunity to shape the region's sustainable development agenda, with its moderate and balanced diplomatic stance positioning it well as a bridge between ASEAN and external partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China. The 46th ASEAN Summit commenced with the senior officials' meeting on May 23, followed by the ministerial-level meeting on May 25, while the heads of govern- ment meeting begins today. — Bernama This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
