We, the mayors, city officials and representatives of member cities and cooperating organizations of the Asian Mayors Forum (AMF), convened at the 7th General Assembly of the Asian Mayors Forum on 28 November 2025, hosted in Tehran at Baladiyeh,
Following the path pursued by the Asian Mayors Forum since its establishment and building upon the achievements, decisions and declarations adopted through its previous General Assemblies and meetings,
Reaffirming our commitment to the vision of the Asian Mayors Forum, “Asia for Citizens, Integration for a Better Life,” and recognizing the importance of strengthening solidarity, cooperation and mutual understanding among Asian cities,
Recognizing the important role of cities and local governments in promoting sustainable development, cultural exchange, economic cooperation, social cohesion, innovation and improved quality of life for citizens,
Emphasizing that the diversity of Asian cities, their rich historical and cultural heritage, distinctive local identities and varied experiences constitute an important source of knowledge and a valuable foundation for cooperation and mutual learning,
Recognizing the importance of cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, local craftsmanship and historical urban environments as important elements of the identity, resilience and sustainable development of Asian cities,
Emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation among Asian cities through the exchange of knowledge, experience, technical expertise and best practices and through the development of city-to-city and sister-city relations,
Appreciating the active participation of member cities and cooperating organizations in the 7th General Assembly and their valuable contributions to the discussions concerning the future activities and development of the Forum,
Recognizing the importance of strengthening communication and cooperation among cities through the Forum’s specialized committees, networks, programs, events and other mechanisms for knowledge and experience exchange,
Expressing our appreciation to the host authorities and the City of Tehran for hosting the 7th General Assembly and for their hospitality and support extended to the participating delegations,
Appreciating the efforts of the AMF Secretariat and all colleagues, member cities and partners involved in the preparation and organization of the 7th General Assembly,
Having considered the reports presented by the AMF Secretariat, member cities and cooperating organizations and having exchanged views on the future direction and activities of the Forum,
The General Assembly:
Reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cooperation, solidarity and unity among Asian cities and recognizes that greater interaction among municipalities is essential for addressing common urban challenges and promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Emphasizes the importance of developing stronger mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices among member cities, particularly in the fields of urban planning and management, cultural heritage, tourism, local economic development, innovation, environmental sustainability and social development.
Recognizes the significant cultural and historical diversity of Asian cities as an important foundation for urban diplomacy and calls upon member cities to further utilize their cultural, historical, artistic and economic capacities to strengthen relations among the peoples and cities of Asia.
Welcomes the presentation concerning the historical and cultural cities of Tajikistan and recognizes the importance of the country’s rich heritage and its connection with the broader cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Appreciates the presentation by the representative of Tajikistan concerning Dushanbe as a cultural, political and economic center and welcomes the city’s experience in developing sister-city relations with municipalities in different countries.
Welcomes the invitation extended to the members and participants of the Forum to attend the international Nowruz celebrations in Dushanbe and encourages member cities to utilize such cultural occasions as opportunities for strengthening people-to-people relations and urban diplomacy.
Takes note with appreciation of the annual report presented by the Secretary-General concerning the activities and achievements of the Forum during the previous three-year period and recognizes the efforts undertaken by the Secretariat in advancing the objectives and programs of the AMF.
Endorses the decisions adopted by the Executive Board during its preceding session, including the decisions concerning the structure and leadership of the specialized committees, the appointment of presidents and secretaries of the committees, the new positions and vice-presidencies of the Forum, and the designation of the Asian Capitals for 2026.
Confirms and endorses the re-election of Mr. Hamidreza Gholamzadeh as Secretary-General of the Asian Mayors Forum and expresses its appreciation for his continued efforts in advancing the objectives and international activities of the Forum.
Approves Tehran as the rotating President of the Asian Mayors Forum for the next three-year period, 2026–2029, recognizing Tehran’s continued contribution to the development of the Forum and its role as the host city of the permanent Secretariat.
Calls upon the member cities to actively participate in the programs, specialized committees, working groups and networks of the Forum and to contribute their technical knowledge, successful experiences and innovative practices to the collective activities of the AMF.
Encourages the development and expansion of sister-city relations and other forms of direct cooperation among member cities, with particular emphasis on cultural exchange, tourism, economic cooperation, knowledge transfer, youth and women’s participation, innovation and sustainable urban development.
Appreciates the contribution of the City of Shiraz to the discussions of the General Assembly and its emphasis on solidarity and unity among Asian cities, and calls upon member cities to strengthen cooperation and solidarity as a means of addressing shared urban challenges.
Recognizes the achievements of Khorramabad in preserving and promoting its cultural and natural heritage and appreciates the city’s acknowledgment of the support provided by the AMF in the process related to the registration of Khorramabad Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Appreciates the contribution of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey to the General Assembly and its emphasis on the importance of cooperation and developing a shared voice for peace, development and stability in the region and the Asian continent.
Welcomes the readiness of Qazvin to host future AMF events and recognizes the city’s tourism, historical and cultural capacities as potential areas for cooperation and exchange among member cities.
Recognizes Masuleh as an important example of traditional and distinctive urban and settlement patterns and welcomes the presentation of its historical and cultural characteristics as a valuable experience for the exchange of knowledge concerning heritage conservation and sustainable tourism.
Recognizes Ardakan’s historical position along the Silk Road and its distinctive cultural, architectural and economic characteristics, including its traditional water-management heritage and local economic capacities, and encourages further exchange of experiences concerning heritage-based local development.
Recognizes Zavareh’s distinctive historical and architectural heritage, including its historic congregational mosque and handicraft traditions, and encourages the city to utilize these capacities in developing cultural tourism and international city-to-city cooperation.
Recognizes Kermanshah’s rich historical and cultural heritage and its potential in fields including astronomy, arts, tourism and hospitality, and encourages the development of cooperation with other member cities in these areas.
Appreciates the presentation of Siahkal concerning its natural and cultural assets, including the Hyrcanian forests and its proximity to the Caspian Sea, and emphasizes the importance of protecting natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and local development.
Recognizes Abarkuh as an important tourism and heritage destination, particularly in view of its traditional urban fabric and ancient natural heritage, and encourages the exchange of experiences regarding heritage conservation and sustainable tourism.
Emphasizes, following the presentation of Yazd, the importance of preserving traditional urban fabrics and integrating heritage conservation with contemporary urban development, and encourages greater participation of heritage cities in the technical committees and knowledge networks of the Forum.
Welcomes the presentation by the Governor of Karbala and recognizes the city’s ongoing efforts and projects in the fields of employment, housing and industry, and encourages the continuation of cooperation and experience exchange between Karbala and other member cities.
Recognizes Gorgan’s considerable potential in tourism, heritage conservation, natural resources and cultural diversity, including its living historic fabric and proximity to the Hyrcanian forests, and encourages cooperation in the fields of sustainable tourism, heritage conservation and local development.
Recognizes Zahedan as a city characterized by significant cultural and social diversity and encourages greater introduction of its cultural capacities and local characteristics through the Forum’s networks and international activities.
Appreciates the report presented by Isfahan concerning its activities and achievements during its tenure as the Tourism Capital of Asian Cities for 2025, and recognizes the city’s contribution to promoting urban tourism, cultural exchange and cooperation among Asian cities.
Encourages all member cities to utilize the opportunities provided by the designation of Asian Capitals in different thematic fields to introduce their capacities, share successful experiences and develop practical cooperation with other cities.
Calls upon the Secretariat and member cities to facilitate city visits, professional exchanges, study tours, joint cultural and technical programs and other forms of direct interaction among Asian municipalities.
Encourages the establishment and strengthening of collaborative networks among cities with common historical, cultural, economic, environmental and geographical characteristics, including networks of heritage cities, tourism cities, port and coastal cities, creative cities and other thematic city networks.
Emphasizes the importance of expanding cooperation with relevant regional and international organizations and utilizing their technical, institutional and knowledge capacities to support the implementation of AMF programs.
Calls upon the Secretariat to continue facilitating communication among member cities and to develop effective mechanisms for sharing information concerning city projects, opportunities for cooperation, upcoming events, technical experiences and best practices.
Encourages member cities to actively participate in future General Assemblies, Executive Board meetings, specialized committee meetings, training programs, technical events and other activities of the Forum and to contribute to the implementation of its decisions.
Invites member cities to consider the possibility of establishing and expanding sister-city agreements and memoranda of cooperation as practical instruments for strengthening long-term relations among Asian municipalities.
Emphasizes that cultural cooperation, city diplomacy and people-to-people relations constitute important instruments for promoting mutual understanding, peace, friendship and sustainable cooperation across Asia.
Expresses its appreciation to all mayors, governors, municipal officials, representatives of member cities, partner organizations and experts who contributed to the success of the 7th General Assembly and to the exchange of knowledge and experiences during the meeting.
Looks forward to the continued implementation of the decisions of the General Assembly and the Executive Board and to the further strengthening of cooperation among member cities during the coming years.
Expresses the hope that the activities and initiatives of the Asian Mayors Forum will contribute to stronger relations among Asian cities, greater exchange of knowledge and experience, increased cultural and economic cooperation, and the advancement of the ideal of “Asia for Citizens, Integration for a Better Life.”
The General Assembly, therefore, calls upon all member cities and partners of the Asian Mayors Forum to continue working together in a spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and constructive cooperation in order to transform the Forum’s shared vision into practical programs and sustainable outcomes for the cities and citizens of Asia.
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