Urban Diplomacy and Its Impacts on the Development of Iranian Cities
Urban diplomacy refers to direct interaction and international cooperation among cities, serving as an effective alternative to traditional state diplomacy. This approach highlights “cities’ capacity to formulate inter-city policies” and addresses the limitations of governmental diplomacy in many areas. In Iran, cities engage in the international arena by joining global networks and organizations (such as Metropolis and UCLG) to advance their economic, cultural, managerial, and environmental goals. Below, the primary benefits of urban diplomacy for Iranian cities are examined across five specific areas.
Economic Development and Investment Attraction
Urban diplomacy can be a significant factor in local and national economic development. Studies by the Iranian Urban Economics Scientific Association indicate that fostering urban economic growth is a primary objective of urban diplomacy, as cities are typically the main hubs of gross domestic product. For instance, Tehran accounts for approximately 30% of Iran’s national economy. Cities can attract foreign investors by extensively promoting their economic capabilities and providing a secure investment environment. For example, Johannesburg, through a successful urban diplomacy strategy, attracted hundreds of investors from Europe and Asia by showcasing its infrastructure and opportunities. Additionally, urban diplomacy can boost tourism economies by highlighting a city’s attractions (historical, natural, and artistic); for instance, Shanghai has drawn numerous tourists through marketing its tourism potential. In summary, urban diplomacy enhances cities’ global reputation and networks, paving the way for investment opportunities, job creation, and business development in Iranian cities.
- Attracting Foreign Investment: Creating a secure environment and promoting economic capacities to international investors.
- Boosting Tourism: Showcasing cultural and historical attractions to attract foreign tourists.
- Strengthening the Local Economy: Increasing inter-city trade and domestic financial flows by leveraging shared economic opportunities.
For example, Tehran’s municipality signed a sister-city agreement with Beijing in 2013, initiating extensive economic and commercial cooperation. This agreement emphasized attracting investment and developing commercial partnerships. In the metropolis of Tehran, urban diplomacy policies aim to foster commercial and industrial relations with domestic and international partners to create a stronger urban economy.
Milad Tower
Expansion of Cultural and Scientific Relations
One of the significant achievements of urban diplomacy is deepening cultural, artistic, and scientific cooperation among cities. Sister-city networks and cooperation agreements between municipalities are primarily built on shared historical, cultural, and educational foundations. For instance, the cities of Isfahan and Gyeongju (South Korea) established formal relations in 2013, focusing on cultural-historical activities and Silk Road festivals. Isfahan and Gyeongju have expanded their cultural and scientific collaboration through student and researcher exchanges, joint seminars (such as the Isfahan-Gyeongju seminar on ancient civilizations), and active participation in artistic events. Similarly, Shiraz, with its rich literary and artistic heritage, currently has ten sister cities in Asia and Europe (including Nicosia, Dushanbe, Chongqing, Nanjing, and Konya). These sister-city networks facilitate exchanges of art exhibitions, concerts, cultural festivals, and joint research projects, contributing to the expansion of scientific-cultural relations and promoting Iranian culture globally.
- Academic and Research Networks: Organizing conferences and joint research projects among universities and scientific institutions in cities.
- Artistic and Cultural Exchanges: Participating in international festivals and exhibitions, cultural celebrations (e.g., creative cities festivals), museum exhibit exchanges, and promoting cultural heritage to global audiences.
For example, in the Isfahan-Gyeongju collaboration, training courses and international cultural-historical seminars have been held at universities in both cities. These activities not only facilitate knowledge transfer but also enhance the appeal to cultural tourists and provide opportunities for scientific collaboration (e.g., research proposal exchanges and training workshops).
Improving Urban Management through Experience Exchange
Urban diplomacy provides a suitable platform for exchanging technical and managerial experiences among cities. Mayors and urban managers, by attending international conferences and meetings, can adopt successful urban management practices from other countries. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the municipalities of Isfahan and Gyeongju shared experiences on epidemic containment and urban service continuity through video conferences. Additionally, Tehran’s mayor visited Beijing to observe its smart transportation projects; visits to Beijing’s metro and intelligent traffic control center reflect a focus on learning modern transportation and traffic management methods.
- Technical Experience Exchange: Participating in joint projects and case studies of successful initiatives (e.g., sustainable transportation, smart waste management systems, and non-military defense).
- Training Urban Managers: Organizing international workshops and training courses for urban managers and experts to familiarize them with new standards and technologies.
These collaborations enable Iranian cities to implement the latest management practices and avoid past mistakes made by themselves or other cities. For instance, Jakarta, by drawing on global urban development experiences, has brought its infrastructure closer to the level of advanced cities.
Enhancing the International Standing of Iranian Cities
Engaging in urban diplomacy strengthens a city’s identity and global standing. Membership in global urban institutions and associations, such as UCLG and Metropolis, places Iranian municipalities at the heart of global decision-making and development programs. For example, an analysis notes that Iran’s membership in specialized international organizations (e.g., UCLG and Metropolis) “provides a platform for Tehran’s negotiations in global governance.” Thus, Iranian urban managers can attend global summits and exhibitions, present their cities’ perspectives and needs, and secure international projects. The Secretary-General of the Metropolis World Association has emphasized that Iranian cities, particularly Mashhad, play an effective role in the organization and can serve as a model for urban interaction. Strengthening urban diplomacy also leads to cities receiving international titles (e.g., “Creative City” or “Cultural Capital”), which enhance global credibility and facilitate the attraction of cultural-economic investments.
- Global Networking: Participating in urban meetings and federations to form alliances and plan joint projects.
- Enhancing Urban Credibility: Gaining international titles (e.g., UNESCO Creative Cities) and hosting global conferences, which help promote the city’s brand worldwide.
For instance, Tehran is an active member of UCLG and participates in Metropolis international conferences. Mashhad, by hosting the Metropolis summit in 2025, demonstrated its potential to be a “hub for urban diplomacy among Iranian cities.” These activities elevate the international standing of Iranian cities and enable their involvement in global urban policies.
Environmental Cooperation, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development
Environmental and climate issues are common challenges for cities. As metropolises generate over 70% of environmental problems, urban diplomacy provides a suitable platform for synergy in this area. Cities can pursue joint projects to reduce air pollution, manage waste, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and develop clean energy through bilateral or multilateral agreements. The Tehran-Beijing sister-city agreement explicitly states that the municipalities of both cities “will cooperate in environmental protection.” Furthermore, mayors can exchange experiences in addressing natural disasters and climate crises. Focusing on sustainable development through urban diplomacy leads to the design of greener, more sustainable cities.
- Joint Environmental Projects: Implementing friendship initiatives to improve air quality, create parks and green spaces, conserve energy, and manage water resources.
- Combating Climate Change: Utilizing carbon emission reduction technologies and networking with leading cities in climate-conscious urban planning (e.g., participating in international projects committed to 2030 goals).
Jordi Vaquer, Secretary-General of Metropolis, has explicitly stated that “the environment and climate change” are among the greatest challenges facing metropolises, and global city cooperation is vital to addressing these threats. Consequently, Iranian cities can participate in environmental and sustainable development projects through urban diplomacy to reduce pollutants and improve citizens’ quality of life.
Examples of Urban Diplomacy in Iranian Cities
- Tehran: Tehran’s municipality has sister-city relationships with several global capitals, including Beijing (China), Moscow, Budapest, and Ankara. The Tehran-Beijing agreement (2013) specifically addressed economic, commercial, cultural, educational, urban services, and environmental protection cooperation. Additionally, Tehran’s active participation in international networks like UCLG has facilitated meetings with mayors of other countries and the promotion of the capital’s capabilities.
- Isfahan: Isfahan is a leading city in Iran’s urban diplomacy. Its most notable experience is its sister-city agreement with the historic city of Gyeongju in South Korea. This cooperation includes scientific and cultural exchanges, participation in international festivals, and researcher exchanges. Additionally, Isfahan engages in cultural relations and branding with cities like Florence (Italy) and St. Petersburg (Russia).
- Shiraz: With over ten global sister cities (e.g., Nicosia, Dushanbe, Chongqing, Nanjing, and Konya), Shiraz is an active player in Iran’s cultural diplomacy. Recognized as a UNESCO “Creative City of Crafts,” it organizes joint artistic and craft events with other cities. Shiraz’s literary and artistic heritage (poets like Hafez and Saadi) provides a strong foundation for its international relations.
- Mashhad: According to the Secretary-General of the Metropolis World Association, Mashhad is “not only a leader in branding and urban diplomacy but also a hub for urban diplomacy among Iranian cities.” As Metropolis’s center in Iran, Mashhad has pioneered innovation (creative city and urban technologies). The city has established innovation and technology centers, with a particular focus on urban diplomacy in technology and environmental fields. Mashhad’s active participation in international urban management forums has made it a key player in the global relations of Iranian cities.
The examples above demonstrate that urban diplomacy for Iranian cities goes beyond holding meetings and signing agreements. By expanding partnership networks, transferring knowledge, and attracting international projects, it contributes to improving urban quality of life across economic, cultural, managerial, and environmental dimensions.