Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Executive Director

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.

Michal Mlynár

Deputy Executive Director

Michal Mlynár is a seasoned diplomat with almost 30 years of experience in multiple senior assignments focused on international organizations, security sector governance, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and Africa. During his term as Slovakia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he has held several positions, including Vice-President of the United Nations Children’s Fund Executive Board, Vice-Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and Chair of the Sixth Committee. He also served as the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN-Habitat and the President of its Governing Council. Mr. Mlynár holds PhD and MA degrees from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. He also studied in the UK and the USA.