GEORGE TOWN – Former Seberang Prai City Council president Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif made history again when she was re-elected early this year as the chief executive of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN Habitat) for a second term.
There was huge cheer all around here as the Negri Sembilan-born Maimunah, who made a name for herself in Penang, has become the highest-ranking Malaysian in the world body at a time of much strife and uncertainty.
With the ill effects of climate change and the pandemic persisting, Maimunah must display the necessary leadership skills to lead an important UN agency forward.
Maimunah, 61, pointed out that her duties are broad in terms of directing and controlling UN Habitat, which has a presence in 93 countries.
“I have to carry out the UN mandates, bring about the message of sustainability, and carry out programmes towards realising a better future for cities,” she said.
Her term of service for four years initially ended this year.
The new two-year period began on January 20 this year and ends on January 19, 2024.
UN secretary-general António Guterres had proposed her to continue, and the re-appointment was passed unanimously.
Her mission statement is to promote the development of sustainable practices for the human settlements to thrive globally with emphasis on adequate shelter for all, including the poor in the metropolitan places of the world.
Maimunah is now also visiting Penang, where she is scheduled to hold discussions with the urban regeneration specialist Think City Sdn Bhd, a member of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the investment arm of the federal government.
Maimunah has humble beginnings, as she was born into a family of rubber tappers.
But the town planner strived on and today is a prime example that dedication and resolution pays off. – The Vibes, August 12, 2022
