The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS). Recently, the 20th-anniversary commemorative logo was officially unveiled on its official website and social media platforms. The bilingual versions of the logo (Chinese and English) are as follows:

The logo is creatively derived from the Arabic numerals "20". The numeral "2" resembles both a dancing ribbon, symbolizing ceremonial grandeur, and a soaring dragon, representing robust vitality and prosperity as well as relentless progress. The numeral "0" is transformed into a blue globe encircled by 17 colorful leaves which match the circular logo of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), symbolizing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being realized worldwide. The logo is ingeniously designed, rich in symbolism, visually festive and vibrant, and full of passion, signifying GFHS’ confidence in moving forward, safeguarding our green and diverse planet, and striving for a sustainable urban future for all.

For two decades, GFHS has spread its mission across five continents, marching forward with unwavering determination. The GFHS Secretariat extends its heartfelt gratitude to all friends and partners who have long supported the forum's endeavors, contributing to its past achievements. GFHS looks forward to collaborating with more like-minded partners in the future to further advance the cause of sustainable urban future.

As a highlight of the 20th-anniversary celebrations, the 20th Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements and New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony (GFHS 2025) will be grandly held on November 4-5 at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva, Switzerland, with the theme being "Advance Local Innovation and Collaboration for a Resilient and Sustainable Urban Future".

GFHS 2025 will be co-organized by GFHS and a number of United Nations agencies and international organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The event will bring together over 300 representatives from more than 40 countries to engage in constructive dialogues on pressing issues such as urban transformation and development, technology, environment, and financing. GFHS 2025 will also release relevant declarations and promote practical international cooperation to address the multiple challenges we face. Preparations for the conference are currently underway in an orderly manner.

The highly anticipated evaluation process for the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards (New SCAHSA) is nearing completion. According to the New SCAHSA Jury, this year's submissions are of higher quality, making the competition fiercer than ever. After multiple rounds of rigorous assessment, the Jury has compiled a shortlist of awardees, which will soon be submitted to the GFHS Council for approval. The final winners will be announced at the grand awards ceremony on November 5.

The Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS) is a non-profit international organization headquartered in New York, holding special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2015. Over the past 20 years, GFHS has been dedicated to promoting sustainable cities and human settlements for all, establishing a high-level platform for dialogue and cooperation. With the strong support of the United Nations and strategic partners across the globe, the annual sessions have been held alternately at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and across five continents. GFHS has also carried out numerous impactful academic research projects, technology promotion initiatives, and international exchange programs, extending its influence worldwide and making significant contribution to advancing the UN Habitat Agenda, the Millennium Development Goals, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the New Urban Agenda.

(Contributed by the News and Information Department of Global Forum on Human Settlements)