Latest news with #SustainableCitiesandCommunities
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia leads UN-Habitat mission at Mayors Forum in Austria
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has embarked on its first international mission as president of the UN-Habitat Assembly (UNHA) by joining the 14th Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2025 in Vienna, Austria. The event, running from July 2 to July 4, highlights the country's commitment to sustainable urban development on the global stage. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming is leading the delegation in his role as UNHA president. The team includes Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif and KPKT technical advisor on Multilateral Affairs Dr Neil Khor Jin Keong. In a statement, Nga emphasised the significance of Malaysia's participation, noting its potential to enhance the nation's leadership in urban sustainability. 'As president of the UNHA, I am honoured to take part in this forum among mayors who are leading urban innovation on the ground. This is a vital opportunity to align global commitments with local action.' The minister added that insights and partnerships from the forum would benefit Malaysia's urban planning and housing strategies. During the summit, Nga will engage in bilateral discussions with key figures, including UNIDO director-general Gerd Müller, Vienna Mayor and Governor Michael Ludwig, and Metropolis secretary-general Jordi Vaquer. Topics will cover plan-led urban development, climate resilience, social inclusion, and progress toward SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Nga is also set to deliver a special address at Mayors Forum Session 1, further reinforcing Malaysia's role in shaping global urban policies.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
UC Rises To 61st In The World For Global Impact
The latest results of the THE Impact Rankings, released today, confirm Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s growing reputation as a globally impactful institution committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Out of more than 2,500 participating universities worldwide, UC has climbed 28 places from its previous position of 89 – affirming its leadership in research, teaching, and community engagement that drives sustainable development. Demonstrating the University's strength in research and teaching that addresses real-world challenges, UC achieved standout global positions: 14th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and 22nd for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). UC is the top-ranked university in New Zealand for three SDGs: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 14: Life Below Water 'These results reflect the University's deep commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,' says Professor Jan Evans-Freeman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability. The University has various research groups and centres tackling global issues, including the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, QuakeCoRE and the Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters. 'Research plays a pivotal role in addressing the world's most urgent challenges,' says Professor Lucy Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation. 'Our strong performance in the THE Impact Rankings reflects the depth and relevance of our research and reinforces our responsibility to generate knowledge that informs and transforms communities, both locally and globally.' Sustainability is embedded across UC's academic programmes. Students engage with the SDGs through a range of qualifications, including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Master's in Disaster Risk and Resilience, alongside a broad array of majors, minors, and courses that address complex global challenges. UC is proud to be hosting the United Nations8th Adaptation Futures Conferencelater this year, helping position Oceania and Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of climate adaptation and allowing our people to demonstrate thought leadership while benefiting from high-level knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration opportunities created by this event.
