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Cities and Regions are emerging humanitarian donors

The Global Cities Hub facilitated the discussion among representatives of local and regional governments (LRGs) met for an open discussion on their engagement in international solidarity. Subnational contributions to development cooperation and humanitarian aid have grown significantly over the years but so have the challenges.

UN Forum of Mayors mandate renewed until 2029

The renewed terms of reference strengthen the UN Forum of Mayors’ institutional foundations and its role in advancing the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Forum can continue to facilitate the work of local leaders towards Agenda 2030 and post SDGs multilateral discussions.

6th UN Forum of Mayors: Cities call for a stronger voice at the UN

The 6th UN Forum of Mayors concluded in Geneva after bringing together representatives of more than 90 cities worldwide, including 70 represented by their mayors or deputy mayors. This was the largest edition of the Forum to date, demonstrating its growing reach and importance since its establishment in 2020. The 7th UN Forum of Mayors will take place on 4–5 October 2027.

From Risk to Resilience: Mayors, Housing and Sustainable Local Communities

GCH moderated the roundtable “Resilient Housing in a Changing Risk Landscape”, held on the margins of the 6th UN Forum of Mayors, on 14 October, co-organized with UNDRR, UNECE, UNDP, UN-Habitat. For mayors and city representatives the discussion is especially relevant as cities have extensive responsibilities linked to resilient housing.

GCH partners with WEF on Urban Transformation Summit 2026

GCH partnered with WEF to bridge the UN Forum of Mayors and the WEF Urban Transformation Summit. The UTS brought together leaders from business, government and civil society. The discussions underscored that successful urban transformation depends on a shared understanding of how development can generate lasting economic value and create more resilient, attractive and competitive cities.

“Mini-multilateral” exchanges between mayors and international organizations

On 13 October, GCH and UNECE organized the first Mayors × International Organizations High-Level Exchange, during the 6th UN Forum of Mayors. Designed as an alternative to a traditional panel discussion, the new format enabled mayors to speak directly with senior representatives from WHO, UN-HABITAT, ITU, UNECE, and UNDRR about the expertise, tools and opportunities available.

Mayors call for stronger support for nature-based urban resilience

Organised by GCH and ICLEI with UNECE, UNEP, UNDRR and IFSS, the event Nature as Urban Infrastructure: Local Solutions to Heat, Flooding and Fires explored how nature can strengthen urban resilience and what cities need from national and international partners to bring local solutions to scale. It brought together mayors, representatives of international organisations and experts.

Women mayors call for more inclusive urban leadership

The event Women Mayors: Empowering Urban Leadership for a Sustainable Future gathered women mayors from around the world to explore the barriers women continue to face both in reaching and exercising political leadership. Reaching political office does not mean these challenges disappear! Women leaders continue to face gender-based scrutiny.