Malaysia committed to support re-elected Head of UN-Habitat in achieving SDG11

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 -- Malaysia welcomes the reappointment of Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif as the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

According to a statement by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) Saturday, Malaysia is committed to support and engage constructively with UN-Habitat under her stewardship, with the aim of implementing the New Urban Agenda and achieving SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.

With the reappointment, Malaysia is confident Maimunah will continue to lead the important work of the Programme, particularly in its planned activities and programmes in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Maimunah was first appointed as the Executive Director of UN-Habitat in January 2018, upon the recommendation by the UN Secretary General, and received full support from the UN member states. 

During her first term, Maimunah played a leading role in enhancing the work of the UN-Habitat with UN member states, together with partners and other stakeholders to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.

She has extensive experience spanning more than 30 years in town planning, also made significant and important changes in the overall governance of UN-Habitat.

Prior to her appointment, Maimunah served as the Mayor of the Penang City Council, Malaysia in 2017.

Her initial four-year term ended on Wednesday. Her new two-year term starts on Jan 20, 2022, and ends on Jan 19, 2024.

The General Assembly on Thursday acted on the recommendation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Sharif's re-election, which was approved without a vote.

– BERNAMA