PUTRAJAYA: Over 25 foreign embassies and high commissions gathered at the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s headquarters here for an early Christmas celebration.
Its Minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the celebration reflected Malaysia’s strong commitment to fostering unity amid diversity and strengthening people-to-people ties within the international community.
“The true spirit of this festive season lies not only in celebration, but in connection.
“Beyond the maps that define our nations and the faiths that guide our hearts, we are bound by a shared humanity,” he said in his welcoming speech during the event on Thursday (Dec 12).
Nga, who is also the President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, said Malaysia was prepared to continue advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
“In my capacity as President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, I am honoured to work alongside your governments in advancing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Malaysia stands ready to contribute actively to global urban solutions while also learning from your respective experiences,” he said.
He added that as Malaysia assumes a greater role in global sustainability and urban development through UN-Habitat, cooperation with international partners remains vital to addressing shared challenges.
Nga noted that Malaysia’s recent recognition with the Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award from the Zero Waste Foundation, under the patronage of Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan, stood as a testament to the country’s commitment to waste management and sustainability.
“Building on this recognition, Malaysia looks forward to consolidating efforts across multiple fields through shared expertise, knowledge and experience.
“Malaysia is always open to both learning and sharing among our global partners,” he added.
According to the ministry, the event, themed “Christmas Celebration of Elegance and Unity”, was the largest diplomatic gathering it has hosted.
It added that the Christmas reception was held to honour foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in Malaysia, in celebration of friendship, peace and international cooperation.
The reception also saw the ministry extending festive goodwill to children under the care of the National Cancer Council (Makna).
