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Global Cities Hub

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

HIGHLIGHTS

Global Cities Hub Added By Global Cities Hub
30 September 2026 13:00
GCH will participate in this side event of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council on the role of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in upholding rights-based and people-centred migration governance. In a polarized global context, the proliferation of hate speech, xenophobia, and disinformation about migration poses a critical threat to human rights of migrants and refugees.
Global Cities Hub Added By Global Cities Hub
28 September 2026 16:00
Join us to discuss GCH's new publication, Strengthening Democratic Local Governance to Advance Human Prosperity and explore why effective democratic local governance matters and how strengthening it can contribute to more prosperous, resilient and inclusive communities.
Global Cities Hub Added By Global Cities Hub
08 October 2026 14:30
At the Building Bridges 2026 Summit, GCH and SDSN co-organize the event “Aligning Policy and Finance to Deliver Sustainable Local Development”. Join us to discuss how policy alignment, innovative financing structures, and stronger partnerships can help bring sustainable finance closer to the cities and communities where it is needed most.

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

Cities and Regions Mobilize as Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations Enter Decisive Phase

The Coalition of Subnational Governments to End Plastic Pollution mobilizes for intense diplomatic meetings on the global treaty to end plastic pollution. The Coalition responded to the Chair by bringing its members experiences, priorities and perspectives. Cities and regions are encouraged to engage with their national governments to make sure they are heard.

“Guiding Principles for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era” – Consultation

GCH joined the consultation on the “Guiding Principles for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era”, led by ITU and UN-Habitat. The document is intended for key actors shaping, governing and delivering digital and AI-enabled transformation in cities. Local and regional government can contribute to shaping the document, which will be launched at the Barcelona Smart City Expo.

GCH takes part in 9th OECD roundtable on cities and regions for SDGs

The Global Cities Hub took part in the 9th OECD Roundtable on Cities and Regions for the SDGs. The Roundtable brought together cities, regions, States, international organisations, academia, civil society and other stakeholders to discuss the impact of decentralised development co-operation (DDC) and reflect on the outcomes of the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum on sustainable ...