World Economic Forum / UN Profiles•Featured In
Profile & Career Highlights
Overview of her distinguished career in urban governance and UN leadership.
Sustainability & Environment
Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif
Former Executive Director, UN-Habitat
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Verified Entity Profile•The People's Directory ID: #TPD-11603
Web Mentions & Media Coverage
About
Maimunah Mohd Sharif is a Malaysian urban planner and governance leader who served as Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) from January 2018 to January 2024, making her the first Asian woman to hold that position.
She previously served as Mayor of Penang Island (1 July 2017 – 19 January 2018) and was the first woman President of the Municipal Council of Seberang Perai (2011–2017).
Her work focused on sustainable city planning, climate-resilient urban development, participatory governance, and inclusive housing strategies.
39+
Years Experience
5+
Projects Led
93+
Collaborations
3
Awards Won
Achievements & Awards
2018–2024
Executive Director — UN-Habitat
Served as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme for six years, leading global urban sustainability efforts.
2017–2018
Mayor of Penang Island
Served as Mayor of Penang Island City Council, implementing sustainability-driven urban reforms.
2014
Malaysian Institute of Planners – Planner of the Year
Awarded Planner of the Year by the Malaysian Institute of Planners for contributions to urban planning and development.
2016
Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award
Received the Outstanding Contribution Award at Habitat III for urban planning leadership.
2024
Honorary Member — Royal Town Planning Institute
Conferred honorary membership by the Royal Town Planning Institute for exceptional global planning contributions.
Ventures & Companies
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Executive Director•2018–2024
Led the UN agency focused on sustainable urbanization and inclusive development globally.
Penang Island City Council
Mayor•2017–2018
Oversaw municipal governance, sustainability reforms, and participatory planning in Penang Island, Malaysia.
Municipal Council of Seberang Perai
President•2011–2017
First woman to lead the council, advancing governance and urban planning practices.
Media & Speaking
Featured talks, interviews, and podcast appearances from Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
About Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif
Maimunah Mohd Sharif is a Malaysian urban planner and governance leader who served as Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) from January 2018 to January 202…
She previously served as Mayor of Penang Island (1 July 2017 – 19 January 2018) and was the first woman President of the Municipal Council of Seberang Perai (2011–2017).
Her work focused on sustainable city planning, climate-resilient urban development, participatory governance, and inclusive housing strategies.
Professional Experience
Executive Director at United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Led the UN agency focused on sustainable urbanization and inclusive development globally.
Mayor at Penang Island City Council
Oversaw municipal governance, sustainability reforms, and participatory planning in Penang Island, Malaysia.
President at Municipal Council of Seberang Perai
First woman to lead the council, advancing governance and urban planning practices.
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