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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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The Global Cities Hub took part in the first briefing convened by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to prepare for the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). The GCH intervened to call for space for LRGs to participate and contribute. Migration is a cross-cutting issue managed at all levels of government!
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February 26, 2026 3:00 pm
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 (#WEF26), held in Davos from 19–23 January under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”. This webinar co-hosted by GCH and WEF aims to debrief local and regional governments (LRGs) on the most relevant outcomes of #WEF26 and explore how they might translate into place-based policy and action.
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The United Nations’ most recent scientific body, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), opened on Monday, 2 February 2026 in Geneva. The Global Cities Hub will encourage the effective involvement of local and regional governments in the work of the ISP-CWP.

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

How cities can influence the global agenda in 2026

The Global Cities Hub and UNECE hosted the first “UN Forum of Mayors Information Series”. Speakers from UNECE, ITU, UNEP, and UN-Habitat introduced some of the most important multilateral meetings and negotiations in 2026. Across all interventions, one word consistently emerged: localization.

GCH contributes to the “Spirit of Dialogue” in Davos

As the 56th WEF Annual Meeting opens, its theme “A Spirit of Dialogue” resonates with the GCH's mission: connecting local and regional governments to the UN and other IOs. We should tap into the power of local and regional governments to contribute solutions to global challenges, through public-private and multilevel cooperation.

High-Level Panel Calls for Coordinated Global Action on Housing

The GCH moderated a briefing ahead of the 13th World Urban Forum. High-level representatives, including UN-Habitat Executive Director, highlighted the critical role of local and regional governments in housing delivery and underscored the importance of strong national frameworks, innovative financing mechanisms and multilevel governance.