Latest news with #UN-Habitat
The Star
8 hours 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.
Malaysia Sun
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
UN-Habitat Assembly ends with adoption of strategic plan to tackle housing crisis
The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly concluded late Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with the adoption of a bold strategic plan aimed at tackling the global housing crisis. NAIROBI, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly concluded late Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with the adoption of a bold strategic plan aimed at tackling the global housing crisis. More than 1,300 delegates, including ministers, city mayors, urban planners, innovators, donors, campaigners, and entrepreneurs, attended the premier event that ran from Thursday to Friday. Held every four years, the assembly is the world's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlement, composed of 193 UN member states. Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the consensus-based adoption of the United Nations Human Settlements Program's (UN-Habitat) Strategic Plan 2026-2029, saying it will guide the establishment of climate-smart and inclusive cities in the future. "The adoption of this strategic plan reaffirms our commitment to urban renewal through equitable and adequate access to housing," Ruto said, urging UN member states to establish global champions for affordable housing. Besides adopting the strategic plan for tackling the global housing crisis, the two-day meeting elected a new presidency of the assembly to be shared by Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2025 to 2029 alongside 36 members of the Executive Board of the UN-Habitat. During the assembly, it was also announced that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on May 17-22, 2026, under the theme "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities." The UN-Habitat's strategic plan seeks to boost access to housing, land, and basic services, such as clean drinking water and sanitation, aligning with the global quest for converting cities into hubs for green innovation, prosperity, and resilience. Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of the UN-Habitat, said the plan is rooted in the bold vision of transforming cities through upgrading informal settlements, improving land governance, accelerating climate action, and eradicating poverty. Rossbach stressed that political goodwill, innovative financing, partnerships, and targeted use of technology will be key to hastening the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring that urbanization is both resilient and sustainable. Alice Wahome, Kenya's cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, who read Ruto's speech, said the strategy presents a solid blueprint for realizing urban renewal through increased access to decent shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management. In addition, the plan will boost post-recovery efforts in cities reeling from conflicts, poverty, inequalities, and fragilities linked to the climate crisis, Wahome said.
See - Sada Elbalad
21 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
UN Launches Urgent Global Housing Strategy at Nairobi Assembly
Israa Farhan The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly opened today at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi with a resounding call for immediate global action to address the escalating housing crisis affecting billions worldwide. Hosted by the Government of Kenya, the Assembly brought together 193 Member States to shape the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The plan prioritizes affordable housing, secure land tenure, and access to basic services as key pillars of sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach emphasized the urgency of the crisis, citing nearly three billion people lacking adequate housing and essential services such as clean water and sanitation. The new strategic framework aims to directly confront this humanitarian emergency by focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly those living in slums and informal settlements. The High-level Dialogue on Adequate Housing, taking place on the Assembly's opening day, will provide governments a platform to coordinate efforts and mobilize resources for transformative urban solutions. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, reiterated the host country's commitment to UN-Habitat's agenda, highlighting the critical role of housing in promoting equity, dignity, and sustainable development. Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, President of the Habitat Assembly, called on nations to transform dialogue into actionable policies, stressing the importance of international cooperation, inclusive governance, and equitable resource distribution to close global housing gaps. The proposed Strategic Plan 2026–2029 centers on three impact areas: inclusive prosperity, climate and environmental resilience, and post-crisis recovery. It builds on resolutions passed in the Assembly's 2023 session, which reaffirmed the right to adequate housing and initiated the creation of an Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group to develop a global housing data platform. According to UN-Habitat, more than 1.1 billion people currently reside in slums or informal settlements, with over 300 million experiencing homelessness. The Strategic Plan offers a comprehensive roadmap to reverse these trends by supporting evidence-based policymaking, data sharing, and locally driven action. UN-Habitat, the UN agency dedicated to sustainable urbanization, operates in more than 90 countries. It works to build socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant cities through technical assistance, policy development, and capacity building. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
The Sun
a day 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.
Malaysia Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Roundup: UN-Habitat Assembly ends with adoption of strategic plan to tackle housing crisis
NAIROBI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly concluded late Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with the adoption of a bold strategic plan aimed at tackling the global housing crisis. More than 1,300 delegates, including ministers, city mayors, urban planners, innovators, donors, campaigners, and entrepreneurs, attended the premier event that ran from Thursday to Friday. Held every four years, the assembly is the world's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlement, composed of 193 UN member states. Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the consensus-based adoption of the United Nations Human Settlements Program's (UN-Habitat) Strategic Plan 2026-2029, saying it will guide the establishment of climate-smart and inclusive cities in the future. "The adoption of this strategic plan reaffirms our commitment to urban renewal through equitable and adequate access to housing," Ruto said, urging UN member states to establish global champions for affordable housing. Besides adopting the strategic plan for tackling the global housing crisis, the two-day meeting elected a new presidency of the assembly to be shared by Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2025 to 2029 alongside 36 members of the Executive Board of the UN-Habitat. During the assembly, it was also announced that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on May 17-22, 2026, under the theme "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities." The UN-Habitat's strategic plan seeks to boost access to housing, land, and basic services, such as clean drinking water and sanitation, aligning with the global quest for converting cities into hubs for green innovation, prosperity, and resilience. Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of the UN-Habitat, said the plan is rooted in the bold vision of transforming cities through upgrading informal settlements, improving land governance, accelerating climate action, and eradicating poverty. Rossbach stressed that political goodwill, innovative financing, partnerships, and targeted use of technology will be key to hastening the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring that urbanization is both resilient and sustainable. Alice Wahome, Kenya's cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, who read Ruto's speech, said the strategy presents a solid blueprint for realizing urban renewal through increased access to decent shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management. In addition, the plan will boost post-recovery efforts in cities reeling from conflicts, poverty, inequalities, and fragilities linked to the climate crisis, Wahome said.
