MALAYSIA intends to be a member of the United Nations’ Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) executive board to represent the Asia-Pacific region in elections in Nairobi, Kenya in June. 

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said this is to strengthen Malaysia’s role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities). 

“It will place the country at the forefront of the sustainable and universal urbanisation agenda on the global stage,” he said in a statement today.

On March 20, Nga engaged ambassadors and representatives of foreign embassies in Malaysia from the Asia-Pacific region as well as representatives from various government agencies as a way to realise Malaysia’s aim of being a member of the UN-Habitat executive board. 

UN-Habitat is mandated by the UN general assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, with the aim of providing adequate shelter for everyone. – Bernama, March 28, 2023.