As an organization that seeks to better connect LRGs to multilateral diplomacy, the Geneva Cities Hub will take part to the 2nd session of the UN Habitat Assembly (Nairobi, 5-9 June) focusing on “A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in times of global crises.” On 8 June, the GCH will organize a side-event, focusing on the localization of the SDGs and how these interconnect with human rights through the Universal Periodic Review, a UN human rights mechanism.
Following its creation in 2018 by the UN General Assembly, the UN Habitat Assembly is the governance body of UN Habitat, convening every 4 years. Composed of the 193 UN Member States, it is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements. This year, the Assembly will focus on the following issues: universal access to affordable housing; urban climate action; urban crises recovery; localization of the SDGs; prosperity and local finance. All these issues are crucial for cities and the GCH hopes that the perspectives, experiences and expectations of LRGs (an important number of which should also be present in Nairobi) will be taken into account when discussing these issues. In particular, LRGs should be consulted in the development of the UN Habitat Assembly outcomes, i.e., the Ministerial declaration and the resolutions that shall be adopted by UN Member States at the end of the Habitat Assembly.
