Malaysia and UAE Jointly Elected as Presidents of UN-Habitat General Assembly for 2025-2029.
International
In May 2025, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were jointly elected to preside over the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. The co-presidency was unanimously endorsed by all 193 UN member states during the Assembly session held in Nairobi, Kenya.
- This marks the first time in 15 years that a Malaysian representative has assumed a leadership role within a UN body.
- Under their joint leadership, Malaysia and the UAE aim to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance the UN-Habitat Agenda by encouraging member states to intensify their commitment to achieving the objectives of the New Urban Agenda.
- The UN-Habitat Assembly, held every four years and based in Nairobi, Kenya, is the United Nations' highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements; established in 1975 and upgraded to a full programme in 2001, it sets key priorities for UN-Habitat’s work across over 70 countries, focusing on urban legislation, land governance, planning, basic services, slum upgrading, housing, and disaster recovery.
Main Point :- (i) Malaysia, represented by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, will serve as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and, along with the UAE, hold a seat on the Executive Board representing the Asia-Pacific region. Malaysia succeeds Mexico, which previously held the presidency for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
(ii) The UAE’s presidency highlights its commitment to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG-11), focused on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
(iii) The UAE aims to work closely with member states, civil society, and the private sector to develop action plans that ensure safe, inclusive, and sustainable housing for all.
About UAE
President : Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister (PM) : Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
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