Maimunah Mohd Sharif (Malaysia) is the Executive Director of UN-Habitat and a champion of sustainable urbanization. She has spearheaded key initiatives aimed at positioning the organization as a leader in sustainable urbanization. Her notable accomplishments include the establishment of a new governance structure with universal membership governed by the UN-Habitat Assembly and improvements in the financial performance of the organization. Ms. Sharif co-chairs the Secretary-General’s Task Force on the Future of Cities and the Local2030 Coalition. Prior to her appointment at UN-Habitat, Sharif served as Mayor of the City Council of Penang Island, Malaysia. In 2011, she was the first woman to be appointed President of the Municipal Council of Seberang Perai. Maimunah Mohd Sharif holds a BSc with Honours in Town Planning Studies and an MSc in Planning Studies.