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Global Cities Hub

Connecting local and regional governments to the United Nations and other international organizations
 

HIGHLIGHTS

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November 4, 2025 1:05 pm
Discover how virtual worlds and federated AI agents are transforming the way cities are designed, governed, and experienced. This session explores the emerging “Citiverse” — a next-generation digital ecosystem empowering inclusive, data-driven, and participatory urban transformation.
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November 4, 2025 2:20 pm
At the 20th Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2025) the panel discussion “Coastal Cities as Source and Solution: Shifting the Plastics Pollution Paradigm” will consider the links between plastic pollution, human behaviour and the sustainable development of coastal cities. This event will explore how coastal cities can transition from being sources of plastic pollution to drivers of innovative, safe and effective circular materials and waste management solutions.
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The 5th UN Forum of Mayors (FoM), held on 6–7 October 2025 in Geneva, brought together representatives from 80 cities from all regions. Centred on the theme “Cities shaping the future,” the Forum aligned with the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and tackled key global issues such as health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work (SDG 8), climate finance, and housing. Participants unanimously called for reinforcing and expanding the FoM within the UN system, recognizing it as a vital platform that bridges local action and global policy-making.

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

Mayors and business leaders shape the cities of tomorrow

The Global Cities Hub and the World Economic Forum co-organized a high-level event on 8 October 2025. The Urban Futures Dialogue, held under the theme “Driving Public-Private Collaboration for Future-Ready Cities,” brought together mayors, business leaders, international stakeholders, and civil society to explore cooperation between cities and the private sector.

Cities in the Lead: Action-Oriented Plans for VLRs

The Global Cities Hub, together with partners and with the support of the Swiss Confederation, held for the 3rd consecutive year a side event dedicated to Voluntary Local Reviews. Over ten cities from across the world gathered for the event. The session highlighted the growing role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ...