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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 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 in the final text.
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On 23 July, the Global Cities Hub, UNOHCHR, the Geneva Human Rights Platform, and UCLG co-organized a full-day workshop, under the theme “Enhancing national reporting and implementation of human rights through coordinated engagement at the local and regional levels: the role of NMIRFs.” The event brought together a wide range of actors to exchange on how to better integrate LRGs into the international human rights system, which has historically been centred on State actors.

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

GCH’s messages at the Arab Mayors’ Academy

The GCH participated to the second edition of the Arab Mayors’ Academy, which took place on 6–7 August 2025 at the UN House in Beirut, Lebanon. This year the central topic was institutionalizing SDG Localization.  Aligning cities’ actions with global and regional agendas is increasingly important.

Local and Regional Governments at the HLPF

At the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York the 2025 Local and Regional Governments Forum (LRGF) and the Special Event of the Local2030 Coalition take place today.

From Smart Cities to Citiverse the voice of city leaders count

The GCH in cooperation with WeGo and ITU organized the Smart City Leaders’ Talk on “Safe smart cities and climate frustration”. This is a highly important topic because a people-centered smart city approach means finding answers to peoples’ needs – and a climate conscious sustainable urban future is clearly one of them.