Following last year’s successful event, the Global Cities Hub brought together Mayors and Deputy Mayors with leaders from UNECE, UNCTAD, UNHCR, and WHO, on the margins of the Fourth UN Forum of Mayors.
The discussion covered critical topics such as refugee inclusion, sustainable urbanization, urban health, and trade development—issues central to both multilateral dialogues and local governance. Each leader underscored the importance of local governments as key partners in making a tangible impact on people’s lives, highlighting the pivotal role cities play in addressing global challenges. City leaders, in turn, expressed their readiness to collaborate with international organizations to tackle these pressing challenges.
The event provided city officials with valuable insights into the work of international organizations, while also allowing them to share their perspectives on critical issues. Strengthening dialogue between Mayors and multilateral bodies is essential for addressing global challenges, as local governments are crucial to implementing solutions on the ground.
UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean opened the discussion by recalling how mayors were in the frontline on many global issues addressed by UNECE and beyond. She very much welcomed the organization of this dialogue between leaders of international organizations and Mayors. This was a concrete way for cities to contribute to the multilateral agenda, as discussed in the lead up to the Summit of the Future recently held in New York. She also appreciated the fact that Mayors from all regions had been able to join for the UN Forum of Mayors and recalled the UNECE support that could be offered to Mayors in the implementation of SDGs. In particular, she mentioned the UNECE tools on public-private partnerships that could be useful to cities.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted the growing complexity of large-scale human movement. In addition to conflicts and human rights violations, factors like hunger, poverty, and climate change are driving people from their homes. UNHCR now counts approximately 120 million forcibly displaced people, the highest number on record. HC Grandi stressed that since 70% of refugees live in local communities, many of which are cities, urban leaders play a key role in shaping national responses, which, if managed well, can have a profoundly positive impact on people’s lives. He emphasized the importance of documentation, not just as a fundamental right, but also as essential for the security and welfare of host communities. Understanding that full integration of refugees may be difficult in many countries, he explained that UNHCR advocates for effective inclusion. HC Grandi acknowledged the challenges cities face, such as limited resources for healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. He noted that UNHCR provides technical expertise, builds urban institutional capacity, and mobilizes development funds from agencies such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. On the last point, he welcomed the fact that reforming international financial institutions is a key element of the Pact for the Future and that he was himself an advocate of funds being provided to cities directly. To further its efforts, UNHCR has created global platforms that bring together aid recipients, donors, governments, civil society, private organizations, international bodies, and cities. He concluded by encouraging cities to work closely with UNHCR to strengthen their partnerships and maximize their impact.
WHO Assistant Director-General Ailan Li spoke about the intersection of urbanization, health, and well-being. Dr. Li emphasized that urban health is a top priority for WHO and stressed the importance of collaborating with cities to address public health challenges. Drawing from her experience of working with different levels of government, she shared how local innovative solutions can offer unique and practical ways forward. She highlighted three key areas WHO focuses on. First, the narrative: “Health and urban development can and must go hand in hand, health should never be seen as a burden, but as a wise investment in human capital”, she said. WHO believes that a healthy population is the foundation of sustainable development, and cities are closest to where health is created. As an example, Dr. Li cited the pandemic treaty negotiations which will highlight how all levels of government, including cities, are essential in preparing for and responding to future pandemics. Second, she emphasized the importance of rethinking approaches to building a better future, as outlined in the Pact for the Future. WHO supports innovative thinking, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Healthy Cities Networks, which support over 3,000 cities worldwide. Lastly, Dr. Li reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working closely with Mayors and UN sister agencies to improve urban health outcomes.
UNCTAD Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise, Nan Li Collins, outlined the division’s work in providing research and analysis on investment issues, including the annual World Investment Report, as well as policy support to help guide cities toward sustainable development. UNCTAD also fosters investment partnerships and ecosystem building, believing that collaborative efforts are key to long-term success. Li Collins encouraged Mayors to attend the bi-annual World Investment Forum, which provides a global platform for global leaders to engage on key issues related to investing for sustainable development, while also facilitating multi-stakeholder collective action. As UNCTAD celebrates its 60th anniversary, Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan stressed the importance of renewed multilateralism that includes greater representation of cities. Li Collins shared examples of key initiatives, such as the city network regional investment business programme, which develops e-government solutions to facilitate business creation, streamline investment procedures, and redefine processes, and the Empretec entrepreneurship centers, which support local technology and innovation. She concluded by emphasizing that sustainable urban development requires significant financial resources and that UNCTAD is committed to working with cities to unlock potential and mobilize the investments and partnerships needed to meet the SDGs.
Moving forward, UN field offices can facilitate follow-up on key topics addressed during this meeting, and the Global Cities Hub will continue to create opportunities for Mayors and city officials to engage with international organizations and States in substantive exchanges.
Video highlights of the UN Forum of Mayors 2024