63rd Human Rights Council Session: what’s there for local governments?

The 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC63) took place in Geneva from 7 September to 7 October 2026, bringing together States, UN entities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss a broad range of issues. As the UN’s principal intergovernmental human rights body, the HRC serves as a platform where international norms and commitments are negotiated. Many of the issues discussed, including digitalisation, non-discrimination, public participation and inclusive governance, are closely connected to the responsibilities of cities and regions.

Throughout the session, the Global Cities Hub followed negotiations on key resolutions, engaged with Member States and other stakeholders, and advocated for stronger recognition of local and regional governments (LRGs) within the human rights system. In particular, the GCH organised and contributed to two events that highlighted the role of LRGs in addressing global challenges. Coastal Cities, Towns and Settlements on the Front Line examined the human rights consequences of sea-level rise for coastal communities, while Countering Anti-Migrant Narratives: The Role of Local and Regional Governments explored how cities and regions can promote social cohesion, inclusion and evidence-based public discourse.

At the end of the session, the Human Rights Council adopted a range of resolutions, including on artificial intelligence and good governance. Of particular relevance for local and regional governments were the resolution on the implications of AI for human rights and the updated resolution on good governance. Both were adopted without a vote, marking an important step in the Council’s efforts to advance human rights-based AI governance.

These resolutions recognize that AI governance requires attention not only between, but also within states and at multiple levels of government. Furthermore, the new resolution encourages greater coherence and complementarity among relevant international, regional, national and local initiatives on artificial intelligence. Meanwhile the updated resolution on good governance notes that AI systems are increasingly being deployed by public authorities at all levels in areas such as administrative decision-making and in the administration of justice, creating both opportunities and risks for human rights and good governance. It recognizes the increasing reliance of public authorities on private sector actors, and that good governance requires meaningful multi stakeholder participation, human rights due diligence and policy coherence. Lastly, the resolution requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to develop practical guidance on the procurement, deployment and use of AI systems at all levels of public administration.

These were key priorities advanced by Global Cities Hub and its partners throughout the negotiations. Together, the adopted resolutions strengthen the foundation for rights-based, multi-level AI governance. The GCH will continue working with partners across the Geneva ecosystem to support the role of local and regional governments in implementing human rights on the ground.

Related links

• Why Local Governments Must Have a Voice in Global Discussions on Sea-Level Rise – Global Cities Hub
• Countering Anti-Migrant Narratives: The Role of Local and Regional Governments – Global Cities Hub
• Resolution HRC/63/L.10 The role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights
• Resolution HRC/63/L.25 Implications of artificial intelligence for the promotion and protection of human rights
• New Resolution on Local Government and Human Rights: What Impact? – Global Cities Hub

📸 UN Photo | Jess Hoffman