The 7th Asian Mayors Forum General Assembly was held on 28 November 2025 at the Baladiyeh. The meeting featured numerous addresses and reports from representatives of participating cities and organizations, providing a valuable opportunity for the exchange of experiences and the strengthening of relations among Asian cities.
Speech by the Deputy Mayor of Tajikistan
Mr. Rahmiddin Salom Salomzoda, Deputy Mayor of Tajikistan, delivered an address during which he introduced Tajikistan’s historic and cultural cities, emphasizing that their art and craftsmanship are inspired by Persian culture and history. He described Dushanbe as a cultural, political, and economic symbol of Tajikistan, adding that the city has thus far established sister city agreements with 28 municipalities. He also extended an invitation to attendees to participate in the upcoming international Nowruz celebration in Dushanbe.
Annual Report on AMF Activities by the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General of the Forum delivered a report on the Forum’s performance over the past three years, followed by an announcement of the decisions taken by the Executive Board during the previous day’s session. These decisions included the introduction of the presidents and secretaries of the specialized committees, the announcement of the Forum’s new positions and vice-presidents, and the announcement of the Asian Capitals for 2026.
During this session, the General Assembly re-elected Mr. Gholamzadeh as Secretary-General and Tehran was approved by the members as the rotating President of the Forum for the next three years (2026–2029).
Speeches by Representatives of Member Cities & Cooperating Organizations
The General Assembly meeting also serves as a platform for deliberation on Forum affairs, the exchange of ideas, and greater mutual familiarity among participating cities to foster cooperation and synergy. To this end, city representatives presented their reports and experiences.
– Shiraz: Underlined fostering solidarity and unity among Asian cities as the greatest urban challenge and urged more collaboration.
– Khorramabad: Expressed gratitude for AMF support in registering the Khorramabad Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage list and presented an honorary gift to AMF Secretary-General.
– Union of Municipalities of Turkey: Underscored the necessity of cooperation and the creation of a shared voice for peace and development in the region and continent, and called cooperation with organizations like AMF necessary. The Secretary General of UMT Mr. Suat Yildiz also presented an honorary gift to the AMF Secretary General Mr. Hamidreza Gholamzadeh.
– Qazvin: Introduced the city as Iran’s fourth tourism hub and announced its readiness to host future Forum events.
– Masuleh: Presented the city as a nationally registered exemplar of stepped villages (registered in 1975).
– Ardakan: Highlighted the city’s distinctive features, including its location along the Silk Road, its distinctive historical and cultural features like Qanat and its dynamic local economic
– Zavareh: Introduced the city as the first in the world to feature a Four-Iwan congregational mosque and highlighted its handicrafts.
– Kermanshah: Noted the city’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as its potential in astronomy, art, and renowned hospitality.
– Siahkal: Described the city as the beating heart of a nation and highlighted the Hyrcanian forests and the Caspian Sea.
– Abarkuh: Introduced the city as a tourism destination featuring traditional urban fabric and a 4,500-year-old cypress tree.
– Yazd: Emphasized the importance of preserving traditional urban fabric and exchanging experiences within the Forum’s technical committees.
– Karbala (Governor): Through a video presentation, introduced the city as one centered on justice, with numerous projects in employment, housing, and industry.
– Gorgan: Presented the city as a tourism destination featuring 162 hectares of living historic fabric, Hyrcanian forests, and ethnic diversity.
– Zahedan: Described the city as a treasure trove of diverse cultures, worth to visit.
– Isfahan: Delivered a report on the city’s activities during its tenure as the Tourism Capital of Asian Cities for 2025.
At the conclusion of the General Assembly, important decisions were made regarding cultural cooperation, sister city agreements, and the establishment of collaborative networks among cities. Invitations were also extended for city visits and participation in future Forum meetings. This meeting was seen as a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen ties among Asian cities. It is expected that greater cooperation will be realized in the years ahead among the participating cities.
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