Events

30 September 2026 13:00

Countering Anti-Migrant Narratives: The Role of Local and Regional Governments

GCH will participate in this side event of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council on the role of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in upholding rights-based and people-centred migration governance. In a polarized global context, the proliferation of hate speech, xenophobia, and disinformation about migration poses a critical threat to human rights of migrants and refugees.

28 September 2026 16:00

Why Local Democracy Matters for a More Prosperous World

Online

Join us to discuss GCH's new publication, Strengthening Democratic Local Governance to Advance Human Prosperity and explore why effective democratic local governance matters and how strengthening it can contribute to more prosperous, resilient and inclusive communities.

08 October 2026 14:30

Mobilizing Finance to Reach Cities

Room A, CICG | Geneva

At the Building Bridges 2026 Summit, GCH and SDSN co-organize the event “Aligning Policy and Finance to Deliver Sustainable Local Development”. Join us to discuss how policy alignment, innovative financing structures, and stronger partnerships can help bring sustainable finance closer to the cities and communities where it is needed most.

25 September 2026 12:00

Coastal Cities Towns & Settlements on the Front Line

Palais des Nations, Geneva

This side event to the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC63) will explore possible elements for a future Human Rights Council initiative on sea-level rise and human rights focused on urban and local action. It aims to promote a policy-oriented and practical dialogue on how to protect the rights of people living in coastal cities and settlements exposed to sea-level rise.

12 October 2026 10:00

6th meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors

WIPO, Geneva

Join over 60 mayors from all over the world at the 6th meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors “Cities Delivering for a Sustainable Future”. Bring your local perspectives to the discussions on sustainable cities, water and sanitation, innovation and creativity, affordable and clean energy, housing, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and more!

27 August 2026 14:00

100 Days to the UN Water Conference