The United Nations and Cities of the World: A new reality?

Abstract

The growing influence of cities is visible at the national level and in international politics. This new reality is leading to a paradigm shift in global politics and international law. As part of this new reality, cities demand recognition of their position. This paper aims to examine the already existing bodies that formally represent cities in the decision-making processes within some intergovernmental organizations' structures and answer the question about the need to create a new organ within the United Nations system that will better accommodate the growing role of cities in international relations. If the answer is positive, the attempt shall be made to consider what such an organ could look like. The novelty of this paper is that it is the first to provide some reflection on the possible status and composition of such a new UN body.