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Category: International Geneva News

Cities took active part in the Global Refugee Forum (GRF)

Held in Geneva from 13-15 December 2023, the 2nd Global Refugee Forum (GRF) gathered 4,200 participants and resulted in 1,600 pledges to support refugees and their hosts[1], as well as an estimated $2.2 billion in new financial commitments by States and other actors, including some $250 million pledged by the private sector (UNHCR figures). While …

Pledge by the Global Cities Hub for UDHR 75

On 11-12 December 2023 OHCHR organized commemorations of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Declaration remains the core international document for achieving freedom, equality, and justice for everyone.

“Mayors are at the forefront of urban health leadership”

On 2 October, the GCH provided a unique opportunity for mayors to meet with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (see his remarks here). In this interview, he shares his views on urban health, the role of local governments, and the future of multilateralism. What is the main message specifically Mayors should take …

UNICEF works with local governments and communities to find lasting solutions

On the occasion of World Children’s Day and honoring the Centenary of the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child, GCH has decided to highlight the work of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and include it in our mapping. The GCH mapping presents work on urban issues that international actors are doing in …

Pandemic preparedness requires a whole-of-government approach

On 6 November 2023, Member States resumed their negotiations on a new WHO pandemic agreement in the 7th session of the intergovernmental negotiating body (INB 7). The Global Cities Hub actively participated in the oral deliberations and submitted a written position on the new negotiating text (available here). It has been a year and a …

Peace often originates at the local level

Sami Kanaan, President of the Global Cities Hub, opened the 10th Geneva Peace Week on 30 October. His address emphasized the important role of local authorities in developping peaceful communities. Peace often originates at the local level. Cities are best positioned to implement measures that can reduce the root causes of conflict and contribute to …

Mayors meet the UN and the business community at Building Bridges

On 3 October 2023, Mayors, UN leaders and the business community conducted for the first time at Building Bridges a holistic discussion on sustainable financing at local level through UN action. Mayors presented their valuable projects, UN leaders shared ways and means they can assist with and abrdn advised on how to prepare and plan …

Enhancing the engagement of LRGs in the UN human rights system

In response to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Call for inputs on Human Rights Council resolution 51/12, the Global Cities Hub (GCH) has made a submission on ways to enhance the engagement of local and regional governments (LRGs) in the UN human rights system. Recalling that States bear the primary responsibility …

CitiVerse – the potential of VR to build inclusive and sustainable cities

On 13 July 2023,  ITU together with Greece and Tanzania organized an event on “Exploring the metaverse: A New World of Possibilities for Cities and Communities” during the 2023 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). It was an exciting discussion about digitalization, smart cities, metaverse and CitiVerse. The event explored the potential of the …