The year 2020 has led the world into a decade of action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the UN calls for a networked and inclusive multilateralism which will not only allow the outpouring of global solidarity to combat COVID-19 crisis, but help overcome the challenges of our current era.

While combating the pandemic, we managed to unite concerned stakeholders through various initiatives and activities, to promote a full and inclusive economic and social recovery, and accelerate an aggressive transformation towards sustainable urban development.

In April, we officially launched the program of the valuable large-scale academic literature - The Collection of Global Forum on Human Settlements (Volume I & II, bilingual in both Chinese and English). Designed as a non-profit cultural and educational program aiming to promote sharing of knowledge on sustainable cities and human settlements at global scale, this academic literature is expected to reap fruitful results and cast far-reaching impact. Due to the unprecedented challenges created by COVID-19, the GFHS Collection will be officially released early next year.

In July, the first preparatory webinar of the 15th Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2020) was successfully held, providing an in-depth dialogue on "Strategies for fighting epidemics: adaptable buildings and resilient cities”. It was widely covered by related mainstream and professional media.

Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2020) was successfully held on July 10, 2020

In September, GFHS issued a statement to extend its strongest support to the report launched by the United Nations ―Policy Brief: COVID-19 in an Urban World.

In October, the 15th Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2020) was successfully held in a virtual format as an observance of Urban October, with the theme being “Post-Pandemic Recovery and Transformation: Resilient Cities, Healthy Planet”. This year’s forum is supported by a record lineup of 24 authoritative organizations, including 10 UN agencies and Asian Development Bank. The two-day forum has reached out to more than 100,000 professional audiences through live streaming and participation. GFHS 2020 Outcome Document (For video recording of the full event, please click here)

From November to December, GFHS contributed to the 10th Regional 3R & Circular Economy Forum in Asia-Pacific (series of webinars), and shared the outcomes and experience from the 15th Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements.


Moving forward, 2021 will be the year of green transformation, and will also be the year of a global action towards carbon neutrality. The First Preparatory Webinar of the 16th Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2021)will be taking place on January 15, 2021, to address the theme "International Green Model City Initiative: Call for Stronger Actions Towards Healthy, Resilient, and Carbon-Neutral Cities". Well-known experts, local government officials, and business representatives will be giving technical presentations and joining discussions on how to scale up sustainable urban development practices and innovation. Register Now (For more information please access the link here: http://www.gfhsforum.org/content?article_id=609)


We look forward to the pleasure of meeting you and hearing your voice at this important gathering in the beginning of the New Year to create synergy for a community of shared sustainable future.

Contact: christine.he@gfhsforum.org, sabrina.he@gfhsforum.org
Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS)
Website: http://www.gfhsforum.org/