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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 GCH took part in an OECD–German workshop in Berlin on “The impact of decentralized development cooperation (DDC) on local governance and SDG outcomes.” The meeting aimed to better understand how cities and regions engage in decentralized development cooperation, what benefits it brings, the obstacles they face, and how to assess its impact. Participants included cities and regions, city networks, national governments, and international organizations.
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October 6, 2025 10:00 am
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.
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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

UN@80: Rethinking Multilateralism with LRGs

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly starts on Thursday, 18 September. A record number of heads of states and governments are expected to speak on this Anniversary. The Secretary-General has presented a report providing recommendations to enhance engagement with local and regional governments in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular ...

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 ...

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.