Penang signs MoU to collaborate with UN Habitat
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nation’s Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat).
The MoU is to develop a common monitoring framework for projects implemented in the state to be in line with the latter’s sustainable development goals.
The five-year MoU is the firstof-its-kind between a Malaysian state government and UN Habitat. It involves different phases of cooperation, based on current and future needs.
The state government has committed US$250,000 (RM1 million) to the initiative.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in line with the state’s aspiration to achieve its Vision 2030 to transform Penang into a “Family Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”, both parties had agreed to collaborate as both share the common objectives to improve livability, upgrade the economy and empower communities.
He said the state government, through its state agency the Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) and its subsidiary, the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation, would be among the first to align their projects to support the implementation of the SDG.
“UN Habitat has been engaging with the Malaysian government to assist Malaysia in its efforts to fulfil its commitment to the SDG.
“In the case of Penang, both UN Habitat and the state government are dedicated to ensuring that Penang becomes a global example of sustainable urban development,” he said.