6th UN Forum of Mayors and the 87th session of the UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management
During an intense and dynamic week, the 6th meeting of the United Nations Forum of Mayors (FoM) and the 87th session of the UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management brought together local and national authorities, international organizations, civil society and partners in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of shaping the future of cities and communities across the ECE region and beyond.
The UN4UkrainianCities Initiative was actively represented at the Forum and the Committee, highlighting its continued support for sustainable urban recovery and development in Ukraine.
UN4UkrainianCities participation in the UN Forum of Mayors
Taking place from 12–13 October 2026 under the theme “Cities Delivering for a Sustainable Future,” the UN Forum of Mayors provided a distinctive platform within the multilateral system for local representatives to come together, exchange experiences and bring the perspectives of cities into international policy discussions. In this context, participants shared good practices and discussed the role of cities in advancing sustainable and resilient urban development.
Representing Ukraine at the Forum, Serhii Morhunov, Mayor of Vinnytsia, highlighted the challenges cities face in ensuring reliable, safe and accessible urban mobility. Drawing on Vinnytsia’s experience in modernising public transport, he stressed the importance of resilient transport systems that connect residents to jobs, education, and essential services.
“The practice of many cities in different corners of the world is diverse. But at the same time, our own experience today is unique. This is a two-way street, where we can also share our expertise on how cities should act in critical situations, including war and man-made disasters.”
Credits: Vinnytsia City Council
A dedicated exhibition brought the Initiative’s work to life through 2D illustrations and 3D visualisations of the Housing pilot project in Kharkiv and the Health Route in Mykolaiv. Highlighting key achievements and ongoing activities, the exhibition showed how the two projects respond to the cities’ recovery and development priorities. Open throughout the Forum, it also offered a space to discuss the Initiative’s work with representatives of cities, national governments, international organizations and other partners.
UN4UkrainianCities participation at the CUDHLM
The Forum was followed by the 87th session of the UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management, held from 14 to 16 October 2026. On 16th, the UN4UkrainianCities Initiative presented its progress to the Committee and its member States, highlighting how national housing policy reform, local pilot projects and capacity building are supporting Ukraine’s recovery.
The presentation outlined the Initiative’s contribution to the national housing policy reform, including expert support for the Law “On the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy”, adopted in January 2026, the draft State Housing Policy Strategy and the draft Law “On Social Housing”. Working alongside the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine, the Initiative continues to support the preparation of regulatory and legal acts needed to put the new housing framework into practice.
At the city level, the presentation showcased progress on two pilot projects. In Kharkiv, the North Saltivka Housing Pilot is advancing towards detailed design and tender-ready documentation, combining 237 apartments with protective shelters, a preschool facility and accessible public spaces. In Mykolaiv, the Health Route envisages a 5-km waterfront corridor connecting green spaces, walking and cycling routes, and inclusive areas for recreation, bringing together climate resilience and community wellbeing.
The Initiative also highlighted study tours, youth engagement and a webinar series on inclusive urban recovery, helping authorities and practitioners address the needs of different population groups. With its second phase running until January 2027, upcoming activities include a side event at the First Annual Housing Conference in Kyiv, using the Kharkiv pilot to explore how national housing policy can translate into local projects ready for implementation.
Through its participation in both the UN Forum of Mayors and the 87th session of the Committee, the UN4UkrainianCities Initiative demonstrated how national housing reforms and local pilot projects can reinforce one another. These exchanges highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation among Ukrainian authorities and international partners to turn recovery priorities into inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods and lasting improvements in residents’ lives.