Mayors from around the world gathered for the 5th Forum of Mayors in Geneva (Switzerland), organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The Forum strengthens coherence between local, regional, and global levels in addressing sustainable urban development and governance challenges, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2020, its annual meetings have facilitated collaboration among mayors, dialogue with national governments and international organizations, and given local authorities a direct voice in the multilateral system.

This year, the Forum hosted over 50 mayors in person and more than 400 participants overall, including city representatives, UN entities, and civil society organizations, with some from outside the UNECE region. Discussions focused on health (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), climate finance, decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), housing, and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) of cities’ progress on the SDGs.

As Spokesperson, former President of Switzerland, and founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, Commissioner Ruth Dreifuss delivered the opening keynote. She emphasized the pivotal role city-level actors can play in reducing inequalities and advancing public health and safety. Using drug policy reform as an example, she illustrated how engaging affected communities and grounding policies in local realities can enhance governance and outcomes in health, human rights, security, and development. She also noted that cities can safeguard these ideals during times of geopolitical and financial uncertainty, while underfunding of urban health threatens existing progress.

Commissioner Dreifuss called on cities to be bold, innovative, and pragmatic in reforming drug policies to prioritize health, human rights, and public safety. Her remarks were well received and reinforced the Global Commission’s support for local actors pursuing evidence-based, humane approaches to drug policy.