The GCH participated in the 2nd Bologna Expert Roundtable to advance discussions on the role of sub-national authorities in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). It addressed a central policy question: how to systematically integrate LRGs into the UPR cycle through localized data, digital tools and structured multi-level governance.
The roundtable “Implementation and Localization: Progress, Challenges and Enablers” at the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) was a truly multi-level, multi-stakeholder exercise: global, regional, national, subnational and local actors discussed issues of localization and implementation of SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The Global Cities Hub hosted a workshop to discuss the SDG11 Synthesis Report ahead of the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). This Synthesis Report is particularly important as it is the last review of SDG11 at HLPF. During the review of SDG11 at HLPF, local and regional governments will be there to defend the role of cities and regions in multilateralism.
The Global Cities Hub commends the adoption of several Human Rights Council (HRC) resolutions on advancing multilateral work with local and regional governments (LRGs). The GCH provided inputs during the negotiation process. These resolutions reflect a growing openness to recognize the importance and relevance of LRGs.
The Cities for CEDAW campaign is officially launched! By adopting local ordinances, institutionalizing gender equality, and collaborating with civil society and international bodies, every city can become a beacon of gender equality. The future of gender equality is being written one city at a time. The time to act is now.
The Zero-Waste Day, celebrated on 30 March, addressed multiple facets of waste, including plastic waste. The GCH wanted to share good news in that occasion: while the global treaty on plastic pollution is still under negotiation, multilateral cooperation is already delivering concrete results.
For World Water Day, the Global Cities Hub and UN-Habitat organized a Geneva Urban Debate to exchange practical experiences and reflect on global water governance. As cities continue to confront mounting water challenges, the debate underscored that solutions already exist, but their success hinges on political will, inclusive governance, and sustained investment.
UNEP’s recently published UNEA-7 Cities and Regions Summit Report highlights key messages from mayors and governors as well as State representatives, heads of IOs and NGOs, including the GCH. Speakers underlined that empowering cities and regions is essential to advancing sustainable solutions and turning global commitments into reality.
The GCH had the pleasure of welcoming a cohort of young civil servants of the municipal administration of The Hague. The exchange focused on International Geneva, city diplomacy, and the importance for cities to engage with multilateral processes. Addressing today’s global challenges requires both effective international frameworks and local implementation.
For the past 6 years, the GCH has tirelessly advocated for local and regional governments in international multilateral discussions, connecting global challenges and local solutions. Together, we can make multilateralism more effective!
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