HIGHLIGHTS
Following the opening remarks by Cristina Bueti of ITU and Graham Alabaster from UN-Habitat, the interventions explained the ongoing activities in three related workstreams – helping the audience discover how technological development, including the virtual worlds are transforming the way cities are designed, governed, and experienced. Cristina Bueti, Christina Yan Zhang and Okan Geray shared their vision on how public institutions may progress through their respective digital journeys.
With 60% of refugees now living in urban areas for extended periods, humanitarian and development actors must tailor their approaches to the reality of the world’s towns and cities. Join us for this event where we will discuss roles and responsibilities for urban refugee protection.
TOPICS
The Global Cities Hub is at the forefront of linking LRGs and international organizations to address the most pressing challenges faced by urban centers worldwide. Engaged in a diverse array of initiatives, GCH fosters collaboration among cities, mayors and city networks to strengthen inclusive multilateralism in the Geneva ecosystem, including the United Nations. Our work spans critical areas including environment and climate change, smart city development, protection of human rights, and promotion of urban health. By facilitating knowledge exchange and joint action, we aim to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments for all.
NEWS
Why do cities and regions fund international organizations?
For its 2025 annual retreat, the Global Cities Hub convened cities, regions and IOs to reflect on a topic with growing relevance: the role of cities and regions as emerging donors to international organizations (IOs).- December 1, 2025
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Urban plastic pollution: cigarette filters in cities
Cigarette filters are a substantial source of plastic pollution that harms nature and biodiversity in general, but that affects cities severely due to higher population density. The Global Cities Hub encourages cities and region to connect discussions on tobacco control to their work and advocacy on plastic pollution.- November 18, 2025
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