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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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Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, and following more than three years of negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO), States have reached an agreement on a new treaty to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. The GCH has engaged from the beginning and advocated for the whole-of-government approach to make sure that LRGs will have a more structured role in future national and international efforts.
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At a Member States briefing in Geneva, co-organized by WHO, UN-Habitat, Azerbaijan and the Baku Continuity Coalition, the Global Cities Hub represented the LGMA constituency. The GCH emphasized that Member States should ensure full integration of LRGs across all COP30 processes to achieve an inclusive and effective Urban COP30.

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

UN Resolution Acknowledges Growing Role of LRGs in Human Rights

A major resolution on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights with a strong reference to Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) was adopted by consensus during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 3 April 2025. The Global Cities Hub (GCH) worked with key States, proposed new language to the text, …

Local and regional governments should participate in the GPDRR

On 8 April 2025, the Global Cities Hub organized a briefing for Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) on the 8th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), in cooperation with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and Making Cities Resilient 2030. The 8th session of the GPDRR will take place …

Celebrating World Health Day: Better Housing = Better Health Outcomes

World Health Day is a Global Day of Action established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been celebrated annually on 7th April. This is an opportune moment to highlight the intersection of local housing regulations and public health, which is increasingly recognized as essential for fostering healthier, more equitable societies. Both the WHO …