HIGHLIGHTS
GCH has been invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to open the Mayor’s Panel at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, taking place in Marrakech from 18-20 February 2025. Notably, this Ministerial Conference will feature a dedicated plenary session on cities and mayors—a significant recognition of their crucial role in addressing road safety.
This side event will explore how LRGs can be further recognized and empowered as key human rights actors, building on recent Human Rights Council (HRC) resolutions, particularly HRC Resolution 57/12 on Local Government and Human Rights and HRC Resolution 51/33 on National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRFs). It will also reflect on insights from the Bologna Expert Roundtable on Data Planning and Collection by NMIRFs: the Role of LRGs, which underscored the need for greater policy coherence between local, national, and international human rights frameworks.
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


Financing for Development needs to happen at all levels
On 10-14 February 2025, the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) takes place in New York. GCH has sent its observations and recommendations to the committee based on its position that Local and Regional governments (LRGs) have a fair view of the development needs being the closest level of governance to the population. ...- February 12, 2025
- News

This is why cities and regions should invest in UN humanitarian pooled funds
On 7 February, the GCH and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) co-hosted a webinar on “International Humanitarian Action and the Role of Local and Regional Authorities”. The objective of the event was for cities and regions to get to know OCHA, its role within the UN humanitarian system and …- February 10, 2025
- News