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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.
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