Baku, May 21, AZERTAC
“Global housing commitments yield real results only when they are translated into local policy and practical implementation,” said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and former Executive Director of UN-Habitat, during a session titled “Advancing Housing through Multilateralism: From Global Commitments to Local Impact,” held at the Azerbaijan Pavilion within the framework of WUF13.
Maimunah Mohd Sharif noted that the success of policies depends on support through concrete budgets, implementation mechanisms, and investment opportunities. She stated that Malaysia integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda first into the country’s five-year development plan and later into state and local government policies. According to her, housing policy must create an enabling environment for investors and financial institutions in order to attract greater investment for affordable housing projects.
She added that the discussions held during WUF13 in Baku provide a foundation for the transition toward WUF14 and will contribute to strengthening practical approaches aimed at turning global commitments into local results.