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Read articles on our activities and inclusive multilateralism in International Geneva

Mayor Anne Hidalgo Visits the Global Cities Hub in Geneva

On 12 May 2025, the Global Cities Hub (GCH) had the honour of welcoming Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Geneva. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to present the GCH’s mission to better connect local and regional governments (LRGs) to United Nations, as well as other international organizations based in Geneva and beyond.

Coordinating Housing and Health for Better Quality of Life

On 7 May 2025, UN-Habitat, WHO, and GCH partnered to organize the workshop “Addressing Urban Health Challenges in a Changing World” to drive forward collaborative action on urban development and public health. The GCH was thrilled to host this inter-agency workshop that gave the opportunity for LRGs to be part of this future oriented policy-discussion from the beginning. Inclusive multilateralism is the best way forward to find the right solutions at the intersection of housing and urban health.

Member States should ensure full integration of LRGs at COP30

At a Member States briefing in Geneva, co-organized by WHO and UN-Habitat and attended by interested delegations, including from Egypt, the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil (the COP27, 28, 29 and 30 host States as members of the COP Continuity Initiative on climate change and health), the Global Cities Hub represented the LGMA constituency. “LGMA constituency” is …

States agree on landmark pandemic treaty with key implications for LRGs

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, and following more than three years of negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO), States have reached an agreement on a new treaty to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. The GCH has engaged from the beginning and advocated for the whole-of-government approach to make sure that LRGs will have a more structured role in future national and international efforts.

Cities make progress in climate adaptation

On 15 April 2025, WMO and ECMWF launched the “European State of the Climate report”. One of the positive findings of the freshly published report is that cities make progress in climate adaptation. Although Europe is the fastest-warming continent, European cities have become more resilient. Continued efforts will further enhance their capacity to address climate …

UN Resolution Acknowledges Growing Role of LRGs in Human Rights

A major resolution on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights with a strong reference to Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) was adopted by consensus during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 3 April 2025. The Global Cities Hub (GCH) worked with key States, proposed new language to the text, …

Local and regional governments should participate in the GPDRR

On 8 April 2025, the Global Cities Hub organized a briefing for Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) on the 8th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), in cooperation with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and Making Cities Resilient 2030. The 8th session of the GPDRR will take place …

Celebrating World Health Day: Better Housing = Better Health Outcomes

World Health Day is a Global Day of Action established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been celebrated annually on 7th April. This is an opportune moment to highlight the intersection of local housing regulations and public health, which is increasingly recognized as essential for fostering healthier, more equitable societies. Both the WHO …