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
