Global Forum on Human Settlements

As a global non-profit organization recognized by the United Nations system, the Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS) is in the Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC, and is committed to providing a world platform for high-level dialogue and promoting sustainable cities and human settlements for all. Legally chartered in the State of New York, USA, GFHS enjoys the 501(C) (3) tax exemption qualification. Former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the UN Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury serves as the Chairman of GFHS. Over the years, GFHS has accomplished a number of cooperation projects with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, International Telecommunication Union, the World Meteorological Organization, Asian Development Bank, World Wildlife Fund, International Union for Conservation of Nature, World Economic Forum, and other international organizations. The Annual Forum has become one of the most important conferences worldwide focusing on sustainable cities and human settlements. Since 2005, GFHS has been convening its annual forums at the United Nations headquarters and on five continents for 19 consecutive years. Among them, some sessions were held as parallel and associated events of 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20 Summit), 2016 United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) and the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). As of 2024, more than 323,400 representatives from all sectors of society took part in the forums.