the positions of marginalized individuals and communities, such as women and youth, whom she says are "traditionally left behind in governance, development and participatory processes.". She is also a firm believer in positive thinking, saying, "if we practice positive thinking, 50% of the hurdles are solved and remaining 50% to be worked for" Honors and awards Source: Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (AMN) Knight Commander of The Most Esteemed Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan (DPNS) – Dato’ Paduka (2020) Commander of the Order of the Defender of the State (DGPN) – Dato’ Seri (2018) Officer of the Order of the Defender of the State (DSPN) – Dato’ (2014) Malaysian Institute of Planners - Planner of The Year 2014. Habitat III in Quito - 2016 Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award Malaysia Book of Records, January 2018 - first Asian woman to be appointed as Executive Director of UN-Habitat. Other activities Sharif is a member of the International Gender Champions, a leadership network launched in 2015 that brings together female and male decision-makers determined to break down gender barriers and make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of influence. Sharif is committed to achieving gender parity at UN-Habitat. She has stated that "gender equality and women’s empowerment are issues very close to my heart. Women and girls are the ‘human face’ of cities and we must have equal opportunities for all and enjoy good quality of life". She is currently one of five Gender Champions based in Nairobi. References External links UN-Habitat Profile 1961 births Living people Malaysian officials of the United Nations 21st-century Malaysian politicians Under-Secretaries-General of the United Nations United Nations Human Settlements Programme Malaysian women 20th-century Malaysian women politicians 20th-century Malaysian politicians United Nations officials Mayors of places in Malaysia Alumni of the University of Wales 21st-century Malaysian women politicians