Djibouti and Shanghai Strengthen Decentralized Cooperation at the 2025 Sister Cities Forum

Date de l'événement : 2025-06-01

The Shanghai Sister Cities Forum, held from May 28 to 31, was highlighted by a notable intervention from the Mayor of Djibouti, Mr. Saïd Daoud Mohamed. His call for ambitious and equitable decentralized cooperation was warmly praised by participants. A Strong Speech for a Shared Vision Before an audience of mayors, urban experts, and international investors, the Djiboutian mayor championed a win-win approach to city partnerships, emphasizing that decentralized cooperation is “not a luxury, but a strategic necessity” for Djibouti. “Despite its institutional youth, Djibouti is asserting itself as a dynamic player in city diplomacy, with concrete projects and opportunities for visionary partners,” he stated, drawing keen interest from the delegations present. Forum Themes and Participants This forum, themed “Green Development, Low Carbon, and Innovation,” brought together 26 cities from 22 countries, including Djibouti, Casablanca, Athens, Cork, Vientiane, and Tbilisi. Discussions focused on: - Ecological transition (emission reduction, renewable energies) - Urban innovation, with a focus on youth - Strengthening sister city partnerships, including Shanghai’s ties with 95 cities in 59 countries Djibouti: A Key Partner for the Future Mayor Mohamed presented major projects for his city, highlighting: - Djibouti’s geostrategic advantages (port hub, free trade zone) - Investment opportunities in sustainable infrastructure - The desire to enhance exchanges with Shanghai and other metropolises Several investors expressed their interest, confirming Djibouti’s growing attractiveness on the international economic stage. Celebrating Partnerships and New Agreements The 2025 edition also celebrated sister city anniversaries (30 years with Windhoek, 20 years with Cork) and the signing of new agreements, notably with Djibouti City, Vientiane, and Tbilisi. In this context, Mr. Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, affirmed Shanghai’s role as a global platform for urban dialogue. He also praised the “spirit of collaboration” shown by the Mayor of Djibouti City, who stressed the importance of local alliances in facing climate challenges. Finally, the Djibouti mayor’s intervention confirmed the growing role of African cities in global urban governance. As Shanghai strengthens its partnership network, this forum opens the way to new synergies where equity and innovation are the guiding principles of international cooperation. Translated and Published by : Nouria Omar Gaber