Committed to Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements for All
In Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC
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GFHS-2025
Activities
As one of the world’s most important conferences focusing on sustainable cities and human settlements, this year’s annual session was jointly organized by 22 authoritative institutions. The forum brought together more than 300 participants from over 40 countries, including senior government officials, diplomats, high-level representatives from the United Nations and other international organizations, business leaders, renowned experts and scholars, industry innovators, and NGO representatives. This marked the second time in 12 years that the GFHS Annual Session was held in Europe.
Heads of international organizations delivered speeches at the forum, including Nikhil Seth, Rector, SDG Management School, former UN Assistant Secretary-General, Dr. Awni Behnam, Hon. President of International Ocean Institute, Choudhury Rudra Charan Mohanty, Environment Programme Coordinator, United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD)- DSDG/UN DESA and Frank D’hondt, Secretary General, International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), among others. Urban leaders from Budapest, Hungary; Penang Island, Malaysia; Oeiras, Portugal; Dubai, UAE; Freetown, Sierra Leone; as well as Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, and Suzhou in China shared successful experiences and insights on urban innovation and sustainable development. Industry innovators from multiple countries presented their exemplary projects and advanced technologies. Experts and participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme and various critical topics, proposing scientific policy recommendations and solutions.
Meanwhile, the organizers facilitated closed-door meetings, on-site exhibitions, and networking receptions to actively create opportunities for participating cities and enterprises to exchange ideas and promote their initiatives, expand international networks, and foster international economic, trade, and cultural cooperation. These efforts aim to leverage innovation and collaboration to advance sustainable urban development and climate action.
Previous
Opening Session
Keynote Statement: Advance local innovation and collaboration for a resilient and sustainable urban future
High-level Dialogue: Invigorate innovation and leadership towards greener and smarter cities
Parallel Session 1B: Coastal cities as source and solution: shifting the plastics pollution paradigm
Parallel Session 2A : Future-proof carbon-neutral cities and human settlements
Parallel Session 2B : Nature-based solutions for livability and climate adaptation
Summary and Recommendation
New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony 2025