HIGHLIGHTS
The 5th meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors titled “Cities shaping the Future” takes place on 6 and 7 October 2025 in Geneva. It focuses on Good Health and Well-being (SDG3), Gender Equality (SDG5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), Housing and Urban Development, Cooling and Urban Climate Resilience, and Voluntary Local Reviews.
Local and regional governments play a crucial role in offering a decent quality of life to their citizens and are key contributors to the common efforts of a people-centered sustainable development. The GCH in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Quality of Life Initiative organized the Geneva Urban Debate “Measuring Quality of Life in Cities: Connecting Local Action and Global Agendas”. We introduced the Initiative and explored how it can contribute to the different global agendas of international organizations.
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


Building Inclusive Digital Infrastructure for Future-Ready Cities
On 15 September 2025, the Global Cities Hub moderated the session on “Scaling People-centred Smart City Solutions” at the Forum on Connected by Design: Building Inclusive Digital Infrastructure for Future-Ready Cities, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The event gathered local and regional governments (LRGs) representatives and international ...- September 15, 2025
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INC-5.2: No Treaty, but strong references to LRGs
The resumed session of the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) was adjourned in the morning of 15 August. Described by many as the last good chance to conclude negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty, it opened on 5 August. The GCH remains confident the treaty will be adopted and will continue working to ensure LRGs are fully recognised ...- August 15, 2025
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