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Read articles on our activities and inclusive multilateralism in International Geneva

“New multilateralism” requires engaging with Local & Regional Governments & providing them with a status at the UN

On 29 March 2023, GCH Co-Director Anh Thu Duong took part in a peer-learning roundtable dedicated to SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities) held in the framework of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. The event offered the opportunity to States to hear from cities in the European and Central Asia region (Athens, Bishkek, Bonn, …

Our 2022 Annual Report is out!

In 2022, the Geneva Cities Hub pursued its mission, to better connect cities, local and regional governments to the International Geneva ecosystem. The year has been marked by the 2nd Forum of Mayors, the launch of the Coalition “Local and Regional Governments in UPR”, increased participation of Mayors in the ITU WSIS event & our …

Mayors’ events at WSIS Forum 2023: leaving no one digitally behind

On 13 March 2023, the Geneva Cities Hub conducted two inspiring panel discussions, as the main organizing partner of the Mayors’ High-level Events at the WSIS Forum. The first event showcased concrete projects and scalable best practices of digital solutions for climate change adaptation and energy transition. The event provided the opportunity to hear directly …

GCH puts forward language proposals on LRGs in new WHO pandemics instrument

The Geneva Cities Hub took part in the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) responsible for drafting and negotiating a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (WHO CA+) on 28 February 2023. Ahead of the negotiations that will only take place among States, the GCH called upon …

We need a multi-stakeholder coalition of champions on water

On 24 February 2023, a Geneva Urban Debate on the UN 2023 Water Conference was organized with the participation of an excellent panel. Cities and urban areas are very much exposed to water-related challenges – be it water shortages or floods, sanitation, urban health issues or others. However, cities can be also part of the …

Geneva Cities Hub @UCLG Retreat

Speaking in his double capacity as Mayor of Geneva and President of the Geneva Cities Hub (GCH), Mr. Sami Kanaan participated in the annual retreat of the UCLG. He underlined the need to connect better the local and regional governments to international community. He also mentioned that health, human rights (Universal Periodic Review at the …

Member States should acknowledge LRGS’ crucial role in new WHO pandemic treaty

On 15 February, the Geneva Cities Hub took part in the meeting convened by the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a new WHO treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The objective was for the Bureau and Member States to invite relevant stakeholders to provide comments on the zero …

The best way to start implementing UPR recommendation is at local level

On 27 January 2023, the Geneva Cities Hub organized a side-event in the margins of the 42nd session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Its objectives was to discuss the issue of local and regional governments (LRGs), human rights and the UPR, a mechanism which involves a peer-review of the situation …

Tips for Local and Regional Governments wishing to participate to the Universal Periodic Review

The Coalition for Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) publishes “UPR Tips for LRGs” to provide information to LRGs interested to take part and contribute to this unique human rights mechanism. The leaflet provides background information on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and its functioning, the features that makes …