Cities demand say in international negotiations

At the United Nations, cities have fewer rights than NGOs. However, cities also want to have a say internationally and are becoming more involved. Cities are important players. “Numerous global issues, from health to human rights, migration to the environment, are negotiated by states at the international level, but often the results are implemented locally,” says Anh Thu Duong, the co-director of the Global Cities Hub in Geneva. The organisation was founded in 2020 by the city and canton of Geneva and the federal government. “We wanted to create a structure that links cities and regions with international Geneva,” Duong says. The Swiss foreign ministry also views it as a positive development. Local and regional governments have been able to acquire a stronger voice thanks to the Global Cities Hub, the ministry said in response to questions. Cities are important where they are in direct contact with the population. With regard to migration, governments decide who is allowed to stay ...