UN 5th Forum of Mayors Side Event on “Local Leadership in Preventing and Addressing Internal Displacement through Inclusive Urban Development”

Fifth Forum of Mayors – Side Event | 6 October 2025 | Geneva

The side event explored the critical role of mayors and local authorities in preventing and addressing internal displacement in urban areas, where an estimated 60 per cent of the world’s internally displaced people live. Participants examined how inclusive urban planning, local services and people- and place-based approaches can help cities respond to displacement while advancing pathways to durable solutions.

The discussion highlighted that cities can provide displaced people with greater access to safety, services and economic opportunities, but also expose them to risks including inadequate housing, discrimination, exploitation and insecure tenure. As many internally displaced people remain in urban areas for prolonged periods, participants emphasized the importance of integrating displacement into local development plans and public services, while strengthening the capacity and resources of municipalities on the front lines.
Mayors and practitioners shared experiences from Bogotá, Colombia; Kapatagan, Philippines; and Ukraine, highlighting the importance of connecting local urban planning with national solutions strategies and broader development priorities. Participants also underscored the need for stronger coordination between national and local authorities and for practical guidance to support municipalities in developing inclusive and sustainable solutions.

The event reinforced that local leadership is essential to translating national commitments on internal displacement into effective action on the ground and that inclusive urban development can help cities address displacement while strengthening services and resilience for all residents.

Speakers

Moderator: Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

Opening remarks: Ms. Emilia Saiz, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments; Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN-Habitat (video message)

Panelists: Ms. Isabelita Mercado Pineda, Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, Colombia; Ms. Raida Maglangit, Mayor, Municipality of Kapatagan, Province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines; Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR; Mr. Turhan Saleh, Deputy Director, Crisis Bureau, UNDP; and Ms. Valeriya Vershinina, Executive Director, Stabilization Support Services, Ukraine.

Organized by: UNHCR, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons and UNDP, as a side event to the Fifth Forum of Mayors.