UAE Wins Historic Presidency of UN-Habitat General Assembly
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates has achieved a landmark diplomatic and developmental milestone by securing the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the first time in its history. In a notable victory shared with Malaysia, the UAE also attained membership in the UN-Habitat Executive Board, following a competitive election during the General Assembly’s meetings held in Nairobi, Kenya.
This prestigious international recognition underscores the UAE’s leading role in advancing sustainable urban development, inclusive housing strategies, and the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
The UN-Habitat General Assembly, comprised of 193 member states, stands as the programme’s highest decision-making body, entrusted with formulating global policies to enhance living conditions in urban environments worldwide.
On this occasion, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, expressed deep pride in the country’s achievement, emphasizing that the victory reflects the vision and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership in making housing and urban development a national strategic priority.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the vision of our leadership, which regards housing as a cornerstone of social stability and quality of life,” Al Mazrouei stated. “We have launched innovative national programmes to ensure dignified and sustainable housing for all citizens, strengthening the UAE’s model as a leader in urban innovation.”
He highlighted the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme—established in 1999—as a prime example of the UAE’s integrated national vision. The programme has significantly enhanced family well-being, addressed housing needs, and introduced environmentally sustainable and socially responsive housing solutions.
Al Mazrouei reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to global urban policy-making. “With this presidency, we will deepen cooperation with all 193 UN-Habitat member states to develop sustainable, inclusive cities capable of meeting the demands of future generations,” he said. “We will also drive innovation to address rapid urbanisation and climate challenges.”
The UAE’s new leadership role will facilitate dialogue among nations and enable the sharing of best practices in sustainable housing and urban resilience, he added.
Engineer Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, also celebrated the milestone, calling it a testament to the UAE’s tireless efforts in developing a smart and sustainable housing ecosystem. He acknowledged the contributions of the national team and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose coordinated efforts over three and a half years—from the initial candidacy to the final vote—secured international backing for the UAE’s leadership role.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to building vibrant, integrated, and innovative urban communities in line with the UAE’s broader sustainable development goals,” said Al Mansouri. “We stand ready to enhance cooperation with global partners and share the UAE’s pioneering experiences in urban planning and housing development.”
Al Mansouri further noted that the UAE’s presidency will strengthen its influence in shaping future global urban policies and ensure sustained momentum for sustainable development efforts on both regional and international fronts.
As President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, the UAE is now poised to play a central role in steering international dialogue, promoting inclusive development strategies, and championing innovative solutions for the challenges of 21st-century urbanisation.
