The world has become more urbanised, generates its own problems and challenges for the future existence of the human settlement. UN Habitat views that the main concern of human settlement for the next two decades is related to urbanisation. “Habitat III” is shorthand for a major global summit, formally known as the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, to be held in Quito, Ecuador, on 17-20 October 2016. The United Nations has called the conference, the third in a series that began in 1976, to “reinvigorate” the global political commitment to the sustainable development of towns, cities and other human settlements, both rural and urban. The product of that reinvigoration, along with pledges and new obligations, is being referred to as the New Urban Agenda. That agenda will set a new global strategy around urbanisation for the next two decades. Member States have been encouraged to prepare a national, evidence-based progress report on the implementation of the 1996 Habitat Agenda and other internationally agreed goals and targets relevant to housing and sustainable urban development.
The National Reports are key documents for identifying new challenges, emerging trends and a prospective vision for sustainable human settlements and urban development. To date, more than 100 countries have started the preparation of the Habitat III National Reports. As at to date several Member States have submitted their report and have shared with the Secretariat the details of the process of engagement and participation in which they have been elaborated. In line with the UN-Habitat guidelines on the preparation of Habitat III national reports, the Habitat III National Report should focus on demographic issues, national urban policies, urban planning and design, housing, land and security of tenure, urban economy and employment, disasters and resilience, environment and climate change, and any other key issues deemed important within the national context. Towards WUF 9, Malaysia is preparing a draft of the National Report by involving all stakeholders from government, academia, practitioners and non-government organisation.
This report will be submitted to the United Nations Habitat during the 3rd meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom 3) Meeting Habitat III in Surabaya on 25 -27 July 2016. Malaysia is also planning to participate in Habitat III conference on 17-20 October 2016 in Quito Ecuador. Therefore, Malaysia will contribute towards strengthening partnerships between various stakeholders in the quest for development of Malaysia Urban Agenda for the next 20 years and beyond. Malaysia National Report will compile relevant information on housing and urban development drawing on the guidelines for the preparation of Habitat III National Reports. This report will be incorporating with functions and responsibilities from various ministries and departments. As demonstrated throughout this report, Malaysia places a high priority on the development of more sustainable and inclusive communities due to our contribution to strengthen the economy, creating good jobs, using energy more efficiently, protecting the natural environment and human health. Through these efforts, Malaysia affirms that the components necessary to ensure the urban future include public-private partnerships, cross-agency and international collaboration, and improved networks across sectors that can help cities mobilize financial and other support for sustainable urban development. Malaysia is committed to participate in Habitat III in order to demonstrate the benefits of a sustainable economic pathway for rapidly urbanising communities.
https://www.habitat3.org/
