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Category: News

The 6th UN Forum of Mayors opens in Geneva!

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).

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.

GCH co-chairs ITU Working Group on AI

GCH is proud to co-chair the Working Group on “Outreach and Engagement” of ITU’s Focus Group on AI for Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities. This international collaboration brings city administrations and technology experts together to identify where standards and related guidance can help create the conditions to turn AI opportunities into tangible benefits.

63rd Human Rights Council Session: what’s there for local governments?

Throughout the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Global Cities Hub followed negotiations on key resolutions, engaged with Member States and other stakeholders, and advocated for stronger recognition of local and regional governments (LRGs) within the human rights system. The outcomes of the HRC included key priorities for the GCH.

Countering anti-migrant narratives locally

GCH participated in a UN Human Rights Council event focusing on the critical role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in countering anti-migrant narratives. LRGs, being the level of government closest to, and usually also the most trusted by citizens, are uniquely positioned to foster inclusive communities and counteract discrimination.

Strengthening Democratic Local Governance

GCH hosted the webinar Why Local Democracy Matters for a More Prosperous World, bringing together experts from international and national level to discuss how democratic local governance can contribute to stronger, more prosperous and inclusive societies. GCH’s new publication Strengthening Democratic Local Governance to Advance Human Prosperity was officially launched.

Why Local Governments Must Have a Voice in Global Discussions on Sea-Level Rise

At the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), the GCH participated in the side-event “Coastal Cities, Towns & Settlements on the Front Line”. Sea-level rise is no longer only an environmental concern. It is a human rights issue, affecting housing, health, and livelihoods. While the challenge is global, its consequences are felt locally.

“Guiding Principles for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era” – Consultation

GCH joined the consultation on the “Guiding Principles for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era”, led by ITU and UN-Habitat. The document is intended for key actors shaping, governing and delivering digital and AI-enabled transformation in cities. Local and regional government can contribute to shaping the document, which will be launched at the Barcelona Smart City Expo.

GCH takes part in 9th OECD roundtable on cities and regions for SDGs

The Global Cities Hub took part in the 9th OECD Roundtable on Cities and Regions for the SDGs. The Roundtable brought together cities, regions, States, international organisations, academia, civil society and other stakeholders to discuss the impact of decentralised development co-operation (DDC) and reflect on the outcomes of the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF).