6-7 October 2025
9:00–18:00
Beirut time
Forum

The fifth meeting of the United Nations Forum of Mayors

Location
  • Palais Des Nations, Geneva
Contact information
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ESCWA is joining forces with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, all the United Nations regional commissions, the Global Cities Hub and other partners to organize the fifth meeting of the United Nations Forum of Mayors.

The forum addresses the themes of the 2025 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, namely good health and well-being (SDG 3); gender equality (SDG 5); decent work and economic growth (SDG 8); climate finance mechanisms; voluntary local reviews; and housing-related challenges. The forum reinforces multi-level governance, promotes evidence-based policymaking, and ensures no one and no place is left behind in the global effort to achieve the SDGs.

The forum is organized immediately prior to the 86th session of Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management and its ministerial segment on housing. Mayors collaborate to draft an outcome document emphasizing the pivotal role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. Participants also have the opportunity to deliver a collective message to the ministerial meeting on housing.

Outcome document

The Forum demonstrated growing global momentum for city-level leadership in addressing complex urban, social, and climate challenges. While progress is evident, gaps persist in financing, institutional capacity, and national–local integration. Mayors called for greater access to climate funds, improved frameworks for SDG monitoring, and more effective participation of local authorities in multilateral decision-making processes. Housing emerged as a critical challenge across regions, underscoring the importance of coordinated national policies and localized solutions. ESCWA’s support for the participation of Arab local authorities ensured the region’s perspectives were included in global urban dialogue and contributed to shaping the final outcome document.

  • The Forum reaffirmed the vital role of mayors and local authorities in accelerating SDG implementation and responding to global urban challenges.
  • Participants emphasized the importance of multi-level governance, stronger national–local coordination, and the integration of local perspectives in national and global policy frameworks.
  • Discussions addressed priority HLPF 2025 themes: health, gender equality, decent work, climate finance, VLRs, and housing challenges.
  • Mayors highlighted the transformative impact of Voluntary Local Reviews in promoting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening accountability.
  • Climate-related financing gaps and the need for direct access by cities to climate funds were raised as key obstacles to local-level climate action.
  • The Forum stressed the urgency of improving housing affordability, upgrading informal settlements, and expanding access to adequate, safe and resilient housing.
  • A collaborative drafting process produced a consolidated outcome document reflecting shared commitments and practical pathways for action.
  • The Forum reinforced the role of the United Nations and regional commissions in supporting cities through knowledge, capacity-building, and global convening power.

Documents

ESCWA - Shared Prosperity Dignified Life
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Committed to the 2030 Agenda, ESCWA’s passionate team produces innovative knowledge, fosters regional consensus and delivers transformational policy advice. Together, we work for a sustainable future for all.

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