Global forum on human settlements highlights resilient, sustainable urban future

People attend the 20th annual session of the Global Forum on Human Settlements and the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 5, 2025. The event took place here on Tuesday and Wednesday. The forum released the Geneva Declaration. Nineteen projects received awards, nine of which were from China. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

GENEVA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 20th annual session of the Global Forum on Human Settlements and the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony took place on Tuesday and Wednesday at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) headquarters in Geneva.

Themed "Advancing local innovation and cooperation for a resilient and sustainable urban future," the forum gathered over 300 participants, including government officials, diplomats, representatives from the United Nations and other international organizations, business leaders, and experts, among others.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo urged participants to combine "science, data, and community expertise" to build sustainable and climate-ready cities. Former UN Assistant Secretary-General Nikhil Seth emphasized that local innovation is the bridge between global aspiration and daily life.

The forum released the Geneva Declaration. Nineteen projects received awards, nine of which were from China.

Established in 2005, the forum serves as an international platform for promoting sustainable urban development. ■

People attend the 20th annual session of the Global Forum on Human Settlements and the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 5, 2025. The event took place here on Tuesday and Wednesday. The forum released the Geneva Declaration. Nineteen projects received awards, nine of which were from China. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)