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Read articles on our activities and inclusive multilateralism in International Geneva

The ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in cities

It is widely assumed that AI and AI-associated technologies will enhance economic growth and public well-being in ‘smart cities’. GCH’s new policy paper argues that local and regional governments (LRGs) should deploy these technologies, but only when they contribute to LRGs’ public mission and enhance the quality of life and meet the needs of their …

Interview with Mayor Manuel de Araujo

Taking part in the Smart City Leaders Talk, Mayor Manuel de Araujo gave an interview to Geneva Solutions about the journey of digital transformation in his city, Quelimane (Mozambique). His mission is to turn his coastal city of 350,000 inhabitants into a digital hub properly connected with other cities. Read the interview here.

Cities have a crucial role to play to prevent hate speech and extremism

On 13-14 May, in Strasburg, the GCH took part in an event organized by the Strong Cities Network to discuss the role of cities in preventing hate, violent extremism and radicalization at the local level. The event gathered around 20 cities from both sides of the Atlantic (France, Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK, USA, Canada), as well as NGOs and Academia working in a relevant field. More than 50 participants took part in this transatlantic dialogue aiming at sharing best practices in preventing hate and strengthening social cohesion.

New Coalition takes action to include Local and Subnational Governments in the future Treaty against Plastic Pollution

The Global Cities Hub (GCH) has been actively involved in addressing environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution. It has published a position paper with strategic proposals addressed to States currently negotiating the future plastic pollution treaty. This treaty, as mandated by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), seeks to establish a comprehensive international legally binding agreement …

Bridging Human Rights and SDGs systems & data collection: bringing local and regional governments into the equation

On 18 April 2024, the Global Cities Hub was invited to take part in an expert roundtable on data planning and collection[1] by National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRFs)[2] in human rights area, with a special focus on the integration of local and regional governments (LRGs) and national statistical systems which operate with …

Enhancing the Role of Local and Regional Governments in the Global (Plastic) Waste Crisis

During a high-level event celebration, co-organised by the Geneva Environement Network, together with Türkiye and others, the Global Cities Hub emphasized that LRGs stand at the forefront of combating air, plastic and other forms of pollution and its detrimental effects on the environment and public health. While Member States play a primary role in shaping rules, norms …

At UN HRC, States jointly underline need to provide more space to local governments for a more inclusive multilateralism

The GCH was very proud to be closely associated with and support the joint statement* of 50+ States who jointly reaffirmed that local governments had an important role in relation to human rights, given their competencies in key areas such as housing, water and land management, health, and education, among many others. The statement, which …