The Multi-level Governance and Urban Futures (MuLeGUF) Project represents a cornerstone initiative of the UNECE Centre for Excellence on Smart and Sustainable Cities at the University of Geneva. This ambitious project bridges theoretical advancement with practical implementation, positioning multi-level governance as a transformative framework for sustainable urban development in an era of unprecedented global change.
The project recognizes Multi Level Governance as a complex adaptive system characterized by three interconnected pillars:
- Vertical coordination between local, regional, national, and global institutions
- Horizontal collaboration across sectors and institutions at the same level
- Transnational networks enabling cities and regions to engage collectively on global issues
Global Network and Collaboration
As part of the Geneva UN Charter Centres of Excellence network, our MLG project benefits from international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Our Centre works alongside partner institutions in Tirana, Vienna, Tallinn, Glasgow, and other locations, creating a global laboratory for governance innovation.
The Centre’s coordination role within this network enables:
- Comparative analysis of governance approaches across different contexts
- Peer learning between cities and regions facing similar challenges
- Policy transfer mechanisms that adapt successful innovations to new environments
- Capacity building programs that leverage collective expertise
Engagement and Impact
MuLeGUF serves as a bridge between global policy frameworks and local implementation needs. Through our work with the UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management, we ensure that cutting-edge research translates into practical guidance for governments, cities, and communities working toward sustainable development goals.
Our research directly contributes to UNECE policy processes, contributing to the Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management’s evolving understanding of governance challenges. The Centre’s work has influenced the development of institutional innovations such as the Forum of Mayors and the advancement of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) as mechanisms for multi-level coordination.
Our Centre’s unique strength lies in translating theoretical frameworks into actionable solutions for communities globally. We have successfully supported diverse contexts—from small mountain villages to major metropolitan areas—in advancing multi-level governance structures.
The Centre is committed to seeing effective multi-level governance not just as a policy tool—it is a fundamental requirement for addressing the complex, interconnected challenges that define our global future. By advancing both theoretical understanding and practical implementation, the Centre continues to lead innovation in governance for sustainable urban development.
Research Outputs
Multilevel governance for sustainable urban development: Enhancing the role of cities and local authorities in national and international decision-making (2025). This document, prepared in collaboration with partner institutions Glasgow School of Art, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, City Diplomacy Lab and LIUC University, represents a significant contribution to global policy discourse.
The report provides:
- Systematic analysis of MLG benefits for policy implementation and institutional capacity
- Economic framework for understanding MLG costs and returns on investment
- Practical recommendations for national governments seeking to strengthen governance systems
- Case studies demonstrating successful MLG implementation across diverse contexts