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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.
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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
From ‘nasi lemak and durians' to global urban renewal: Malaysia to lead UN-Habitat with 193-nation backing
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Malaysia aims to take a leading role in shaping the future of global cities as it prepares to bid for the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) next year. Malaysia aims to hold the presidency from 2025 to 2027, which comprises 193 United Nations member states. 'This would be the first time Malaysia has been elected to head the Executive Board of UN-Habitat,' Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming told Mingguan Malaysia in an interview published today. 'It's not easy to get support from 193 countries, but we are working towards it,' he added. UN-Habitat is the UN's leading agency on urban development, sustainability and housing. As president, Malaysia will have the rare opportunity to set the agenda for global urbanisation policy and sustainable city living. 'Malaysia is not only known for nasi lemak and durians. 'We are now also recognised for good governance, transparency, and our commitment to urban transformation,' Nga was quoted as saying. He said the appointment was a direct result of the country's improved international image under the current government. He believes this global platform will benefit Malaysians by attracting foreign investors, technology transfers, and support for smart, sustainable development across the country. Nga noted that many Malaysian initiatives – such as green cities, circular economy policies and low-carbon development – have drawn praise internationally. 'We have proven that even as a developing country, we can lead by example in creating sustainable, inclusive cities.' The minister hopes Malaysia's leadership will inspire public confidence and counter local cynicism about the government's development agenda. 'It's time we stop doubting ourselves. The world believes in Malaysia – so should we,' Nga was quoted as saying. He also used the platform to promote unity and humility in service. 'We must be humble to learn. My slogan is: the Malay child is our child, the Chinese child is our child, the Indian child is our child – and the same for Sabah and Sarawak.'
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
