In 2024, the GCH consolidated its role as a key platform for city engagement on the international stage. Building on its growing network and influence, the GCH promoted a multilateral system that is more inclusive vis-à-vis LRGs. In doing so, the GCH mainly focused on the international ecosystem in Geneva, given the diversity of its …
On 20 March 2025, the Global Cities Hub and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirming their cooperation.
In a room packed with representatives from more than 30 member states and international organizations, the Global Cities Hub (GCH), in collaboration with the University of Bologna and the Geneva Human Rights Platform, led an engaging discussion on the role of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in human rights implementation. The event, organized as a …
The Global Cities Hub (GCH) today marks five years of dedication to enhancing the recognition of cities and regions in global governance. Founded in 2020 by the City of Geneva, the Canton of Geneva, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the GCH has established itself as a key player in urban diplomacy in Geneva and beyond.
Digital Dubai, the City of Tampere, and the City of Valencia are among those who partnered with ITU to launch the First UN Citiverse Challenge as part of the UN Virtual Worlds Day. This is a great example of Local and Regional Governments working with International Organizations. We invite mayors to encourage …
On February 21, 2025, the Global Cities Hub and UN-Habitat organized a workshop on “Cities and Human Security: Urbanization and Housing in an Unstable World”. The purpose of the meeting was for Geneva-based partners to develop a way forward for consolidating their work with UN-Habitat, building on UN-Habitat’s legacy of 30 years of the safer cities programme and with due cognizance of its new strategic plan, which focuses on addressing the global housing crisis. Key challenges …
On 19 February 2025, the Global Cities Hub (GCH) had the honour of opening a high-level Mayor’s Panel at the 4th WHO Global Ministerial Road Safety Conference, alongside city leaders from Paris, New York, Marrakech, and Guayaquil. With over 100 ministers from around the world in attendance and UN high-level officials like Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director General), Jean Todt (UN Special Envoy for Road Safety) and Tatiana Molcean (UNECE Executive Secretary), it was remarkable to see an international conference dedicate one of its plenary sessions specifically to cities and mayors—a testament to their central role in shaping global policy.
5 years from the deadline of Agenda2030 it is crystal clear that attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will require the unlocking of local solutions, especially regarding climate-related efforts. In 2025 we will hear a lot about financing, including ‘Financing for Development’, ‘climate financing’ and ‘localization of financing’. Find GCH’s policy paper “Strengthening confidence in …
On 10-14 February 2025, the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) takes place in New York. GCH has sent its observations and recommendations to the committee based on its position that Local and Regional governments (LRGs) have a fair view of the development needs being the closest level of governance to the population. Better representation of their voice in global economic governance, policy development and decision-making would help deliver more effective institutions with bigger impact on the ground.
On 7 February, the GCH and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) co-hosted a webinar on “International Humanitarian Action and the Role of Local and Regional Authorities”. The objective of the event was for cities and regions to get to know OCHA, its role within the UN humanitarian system and …
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