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 stakeholders and their capacity to evolve and innovate.
At the end of 2024, the GCH adopted a new strategic framework (2026-2028) to guide its work over the next 4 years, through 2028. This document provides GCH’s partners with a clear blueprint about its vision, mission and values, along with its objectives and how to achieve them.
Some key highlights from 2024 include:
- The 4th UN Forum of Mayors, which took place on 30 September – 1 October in Geneva, constitutes a priority for the GCH. In 2024, it brought together more than 50 mayors from all over the world.
- The Smart City Leaders’ talk during the ITU’s World Summit on the Information Society. Representatives from cities, from international organizations and from an international city network discussed how to achieve sustainable, people-centred smart cities.
- Two policy papers on the opportunities for LRGs engagement in the WHO Pandemic Treaty Negotiations and on the use of AI in cities.
- The GCH co-founded the Coalition of Local and Sub-national Governments to End Plastic Pollution, led by Local Governments for sustainability (ICLEI) with the governments of Quebec and Catalonia, and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), in cooperation with UN-Habitat, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), C40, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The 2024 Annual Report is available for download here. Check out previous annual reports here.
