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Category: News

GCH puts forward language proposals on LRGs in new WHO pandemics instrument

The Geneva Cities Hub took part in the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) responsible for drafting and negotiating a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (WHO CA+) on 28 February 2023. Ahead of the negotiations that will only take place among States, the GCH called upon …

We need a multi-stakeholder coalition of champions on water

On 24 February 2023, a Geneva Urban Debate on the UN 2023 Water Conference was organized with the participation of an excellent panel. Cities and urban areas are very much exposed to water-related challenges – be it water shortages or floods, sanitation, urban health issues or others. However, cities can be also part of the …

Geneva Cities Hub @UCLG Retreat

Speaking in his double capacity as Mayor of Geneva and President of the Geneva Cities Hub (GCH), Mr. Sami Kanaan participated in the annual retreat of the UCLG. He underlined the need to connect better the local and regional governments to international community. He also mentioned that health, human rights (Universal Periodic Review at the …

Tips for Local and Regional Governments wishing to participate to the Universal Periodic Review

The Coalition for Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) publishes “UPR Tips for LRGs” to provide information to LRGs interested to take part and contribute to this unique human rights mechanism. The leaflet provides background information on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and its functioning, the features that makes …

International standards can help cities mitigate water shortages

On 26 January 2023, the Geneva Cities Hub and ISO co-organized a panel discussion on “International standards in support of cities’ and local authorities’ development agenda”. The event focused on how international standards contribute to improving the well-being of citizens and advancing the development of sustainable smart cities and communities. A series of standards on …

Cities are key to beating plastic pollution  

The Geneva Cities Hub (GCH) organized an informative discussion at the attention of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), who are directly concerned but not involved yet in the negotiation of the new treaty tackling plastic pollution and looking at the full life cycle of plastic: production, distribution, use and waste management. Leading negotiators from Peru …

Historic decision to institutionalize the Forum of Mayors

“I would be tempted to call this decision historic and a remarkable step in the direction of modern and more inclusive global governance; especially here in Geneva which is recognized as a major center of multilateralism.” – said Sami Kanaan, President of GCH, after UNECE Member States took an important decision to institutionalize the Forum …

Geneva Cities Hub and United Cities and Local Governments sign a MoU

In November 2022, the Geneva Cities Hub (GCH) and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), thus formalizing their cooperation in various fields. The MoU affirms among others, that the GCH and UCLG will continue to co-organize events, to cooperate on matters related to Geneva-based international organizations, including UN-related …