Latest news with #NewUrbanAgenda
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia at the helm of UN-Habitat
Global stage: Nga at the UN-Habitat assembly. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has marked a historic moment with the assumption of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) general assembly's presidency for the 2025-2029 term. All 193 countries unanimously approved Malaysia's presidency during the UN-Habitat assembly in Nairobi yesterday. During this term, Malaysia will hold the presidency and a seat on the executive board jointly with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to represent the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made during the election of the officers of the bureau at the UN-Habitat assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Malaysia took over the role from Mexico, which represented the Latin America and Caribbean region in the previous 2019-2025 term. Established in 1977, the UN Habitat is headquartered in Nairobi. It became a full programme under the UN general assembly in 2001. This is the first time in 15 years that a Malaysian has chaired a UN body since Tan Sri Hamidon Ali served as president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2010. Previously, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim served as the president of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in 1988. Tan Sri Razali Ismail was the president of the UN general assembly from 1996 to 1997. The Malaysian delegation in Nairobi yesterday was led by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. 'We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the UAE. 'This shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and our dedication to urban sustainability. Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambitions with local realities,' said Nga during his acceptance speech at the UN-Habitat assembly. He said it is a strong testament to the country to be entrusted with the presidency by a universal UN body involving 193 member states. 'It not only proves that our country has returned to the international stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but also highlights our growing international influence. 'In light of this latest development, the support of the people is more important than ever.' He also said in the co-presidency with the UAE, Malaysia stands ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and with steadfast dedication to the United Nations' principles. To strengthen multilateralism and the UN-Habitat agenda, Nga said Malaysia and the UAE are calling upon member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda. In a statement, Nga said Malaysia is prepared to drive high-level dialogue and action on pressing global urban challenges during its presidency. This includes facilitating international consensus on adequate housing, inclusive city planning, climate adaptation and financing for urban resilience, he said. 'We are also advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda through legal and policy reforms that aim to tackle poverty, socioeconomic inequality and informal settlements – many of which are increasingly concentrated in urban areas. 'These efforts are embedded in our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, particularly through affordable housing, urban renewal and innovative waste management,' he said. Nga said Malaysia will prioritise practical and collaborative solutions informed by real-world experiences and delivered through multilateral partnerships with governments, civil society and the private sector, in line with the concept of the 4P principle: People-Public-Private Partnership. 'This is a call to lead with purpose, to build cities that are not just smarter but more inclusive. Cities that care not only for infrastructure but for people. Cities that serve as engines of opportunity, dignity and hope,' he said.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia Elected President Of Un-Habitat Assembly For 2025-2029 Term
PUTRAJAYA, May 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has officially been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. According to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's statement, Malaysia made history when its presidency was unanimously approved by all 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi today, and the announcement was made during the Election of the Officers of the Bureau at the UN-Habitat Assembly. The Malaysian delegation is represented by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Malaysia takes over the role from Mexico, which represented the Latin America and Caribbean region in the previous term. During this term, Malaysia will hold the presidency and a seat on the Executive Board jointly with the United Arab Emirates to represent the Asia Pacific region. Nga, in his acceptance speech at UN-Habitat, said Malaysia took on this role as president together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and emphasised shared commitment that symbolised regional solidarity and urban sustainability. '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,' he said. Nga has said it was a strong testament to the country to be entrusted with the presidency by a United Nations body involving 193 member states. "This is a historic breakthrough for Malaysia. It not only proves that our country has returned to the international stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but also highlights our growing international influence. In light of this latest development, the support of the people is more important than ever. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians, as we continue to demonstrate our commitment and achievements in sustainable urban development, with 53 per cent of our 156 local governments now leading Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) (to assess their progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals), putting us on track for full nationwide coverage by 2030,' he added.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia elected president of UN-Habitat Assembly for 2025-2029 term
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has officially been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. According to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's statement, Malaysia made history when its presidency was unanimously approved by all 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi on Friday (May 30), and the announcement was made during the Election of the Officers of the Bureau at the UN-Habitat Assembly. The Malaysian delegation is represented by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Malaysia takes over the role from Mexico, which represented the Latin America and Caribbean region in the previous term. During this term, Malaysia will hold the presidency and a seat on the Executive Board jointly with the United Arab Emirates to represent the Asia Pacific region. Nga, in his acceptance speech at UN-Habitat, said Malaysia took on this role as president together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and emphasised shared commitment that symbolised regional solidarity and urban sustainability. "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,' he said. Nga has said it was a strong testament to the country to be entrusted with the presidency by a United Nations body involving 193 member states. "This is a historic breakthrough for Malaysia. It not only proves that our country has returned to the international stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but also highlights our growing international influence. In light of this latest development, the support of the people is more important than ever. "This is a shared glory for all Malaysians, as we continue to demonstrate our commitment and achievements in sustainable urban development, with 53 per cent of our 156 local governments now leading Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) (to assess their progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals), putting us on track for full nationwide coverage by 2030,' he added. Meanwhile, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (UAE), Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, expressed honour at the joint leadership with Malaysia. "This collaboration is marked by strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future,' he said. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN-Habitat Assembly was established in 1975 and elevated into a full programme by the UN General Assembly in 2001. It is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements that convenes every four years and plays a critical role in shaping global policies for cities and communities. As President, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board as well as global partners to strengthen multilateral collaboration, as well as promote inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities worldwide. - Bernama
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia takes helm of UN-Habitat Assembly
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025–2029 term. The announcement was made yesterday during the Election of Officers of the Bureau at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The appointment – received by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming – marks a historic milestone as Malaysia assumes the presidency from Mexico, which represented Latin America and the Caribbean in the previous term. Malaysia will also serve on the UN-Habitat Executive Board for the same term, jointly with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. 'We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the United Arab Emirates. The shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and dedication to urban sustainability,' said Nga in his acceptance speech. 'Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambition with local realities. To strengthen multilateralism and the Habitat Agenda, we call on member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda,' he added. With the presidency, Malaysia will have the opportunity to set global priorities on sustainable city development and urbanisation beginning next year. Nga described the appointment as a significant recognition of Malaysia's commitment to sustainable urban development, including its progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, with 53% of indicators already being tracked at the local level. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians. In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.' Echoing the sentiment, UAE Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, said: 'It is a great honour for the United Arab Emirates to be elected to the presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly and to serve jointly with Malaysia on the Executive Board. This collaboration reflects strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future.' The UN-Habitat Assembly is the UN's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. Convening every four years, it sets key priorities for UN-Habitat's work. The agency operates in over 70 countries focusing on areas such as urban legislation, land and governance, urban planning and design, basic services, slum upgrading, housing and disaster recovery.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Intensifies Diplomatic Push For UN-Habitat Presidency
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to strengthen international support ahead of tomorrow's official announcement of the next President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), in a statement, highlighted Malaysia's crucial position in its bid to lead global efforts on sustainable urbanisation for the 2026–2029 term. The Malaysian delegation in Nairobi, led by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, has stepped up high-level diplomatic engagements, including productive bilateral meetings with key nations such as China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mexico, Azerbaijan, and Iran, all aimed at bolstering support for Malaysia's candidacy during the ongoing UN-Habitat Assembly. The delegation also includes KPKT secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya Ruzaimi Mohamad. During discussions with the Chinese delegation, led by its Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Jiangou Dong, both sides reviewed upcoming joint events, including the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) in Kuala Lumpur from July 23 to 26. Meanwhile, the meeting with the director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme in the UAE, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, focused on aligning shared priorities for the co-presidency period and executive board membership for the 2025-2029 term. Nga was quoted in the statement as saying that both parties agreed to uphold collaborative principles within UN-Habitat's mandate while ensuring projects remained mutually beneficial and cost-neutral. The minister reiterated Malaysia's full support for next year's Quito +10 High-Level Meeting on implementing the New Urban Agenda during discussions with UN-Habitat executive director Anaclaudia Rossbach. This reaffirmed earlier exchanges at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in April. "We reaffirmed our commitment to continue supporting UN-Habitat's work in Malaysia, including the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, Global Public Space Guidelines and extended an invitation to Her Excellency to attend the ASEAN Mayors Forum in Kuala Lumpur and the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development in Penang," Nga added.
