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Global Cities Hub

Connecting local and regional governments to the United Nations and other international organizations
 

HIGHLIGHTS

Global Cities Hub Added By Global Cities Hub
GCH partnered with WEF to bridge the UN Forum of Mayors and the WEF Urban Transformation Summit. The UTS brought together leaders from business, government and civil society. The discussions underscored that successful urban transformation depends on a shared understanding of how development can generate lasting economic value and create more resilient, attractive and competitive cities.
Global Cities Hub Added By Global Cities Hub
The 6th UN Forum of Mayors concluded in Geneva after bringing together representatives of more than 90 cities worldwide, including 70 represented by their mayors or deputy mayors. This was the largest edition of the Forum to date, demonstrating its growing reach and importance since its establishment in 2020. The 7th UN Forum of Mayors will take place on 4–5 October 2027.
Global Cities Hub Added By Global Cities Hub
The 6th United Nations Forum of Mayors opens today (12 Oct. 2026) in Geneva under the theme “Cities Delivering for a Sustainable Future”, bringing together the highest number of mayors and city leaders from around the world in its history. They will exchange on the most pressing challenges facing urban communities, focusing on SDG 11 (Sustainable cities & communities).

TOPICS

The Global Cities Hub is at the forefront of linking LRGs and international organizations to address the most pressing challenges faced by urban centers worldwide. Engaged in a diverse array of initiatives, GCH fosters collaboration among cities,  mayors and city networks to strengthen inclusive multilateralism in the Geneva ecosystem, including the United Nations. Our work spans critical areas including environment and climate change, smart city development, protection of human rights, and promotion of urban health. By facilitating knowledge exchange and joint action, we aim to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments for all.

 

NEWS

“Mini-multilateral” exchanges between mayors and international organizations

On 13 October, GCH and UNECE organized the first Mayors × International Organizations High-Level Exchange, during the 6th UN Forum of Mayors. Designed as an alternative to a traditional panel discussion, the new format enabled mayors to speak directly with senior representatives from WHO, UN-HABITAT, ITU, UNECE, and UNDRR about the expertise, tools and opportunities available.

Mayors call for stronger support for nature-based urban resilience

Organised by GCH and ICLEI with UNECE, UNEP, UNDRR and IFSS, the event Nature as Urban Infrastructure: Local Solutions to Heat, Flooding and Fires explored how nature can strengthen urban resilience and what cities need from national and international partners to bring local solutions to scale. It brought together mayors, representatives of international organisations and experts.

Aligning Policy and Finance to Deliver Sustainable Local Development

At Building Bridges 2026, our panel, “Aligning Policy and Finance to Deliver Sustainable Local Development: Mobilizing Finance to Reach Cities,” explored a critical question: how can we ensure that finance reaches the cities and communities where it is needed most? Cities are on the frontlines of climate change, yet many Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) face barriers to financing.