PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in advancing the New Urban Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as part of its broader vision to build inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.
Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming said Malaysia’s active role in global sustainability efforts requires close collaboration with international partners to address shared urban challenges, including rapid urbanisation, waste management, climate change and affordable housing.
“Malaysia is ready to contribute actively to solving global urban challenges while also learning from the diverse experiences of our international partners,” he said in a statement released by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
Nga, who also serves as President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, said Malaysia’s engagement at the global level reflects its growing responsibility in shaping discussions on sustainable urban development.
He highlighted Malaysia’s recent recognition on the international stage, including receiving the Global Zero Waste Special Award from the Zero Waste Foundation under the patronage of Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdogan.
“This recognition reinforces Malaysia’s efforts in waste management and sustainability. We remain committed to expanding cooperation through the sharing of expertise, knowledge and experience with global partners,” he said.
Aligned with the Malaysia MADANI framework, Nga emphasised that KPKT continues to prioritise the development of inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities. This includes advancing sustainable urban development, promoting affordable housing initiatives and implementing zero-waste strategies nationwide.
Beyond policy and planning, Nga noted that the ministry’s recent festive goodwill event marked a historic milestone, as KPKT hosted embassies and high commissions in Malaysia for the first time. The event symbolised Malaysia’s commitment to unity, diversity and international engagement based on universal humanitarian values.
“The true spirit of festive celebrations is not merely about joy and festivities, but about the relationships we build. Despite our differences, we are united by shared human values,” he said.
During the event, KPKT also extended festive contributions to children under the Ziarah Sahabat Kanser Association, reinforcing the ministry’s emphasis on compassion and social responsibility.
Nga concluded by extending New Year greetings to ambassadors and diplomatic partners, expressing hope for continued collaboration towards building smarter, more sustainable and people-centric cities for the future.