Developing Urban Diplomacy as a Tool for Sustainable Governance in Metropolises: A Case Study of Tehran Metropolis

Subject Areas : Urbanism- Architecture

kazem Ariafar ¹ , Mohammadali khaliji ^{2 *} , Behnaz Babaeimorad ³

1 - Department of Urban Planning, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2 - Department of Urban Planning, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
3 - Department of Urban Planning, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

Received: 2025-05-22 Accepted : 2025-07-10 Published : 2025-07-12

Keywords: Urban Diplomacy, Governance, Globalization, Tehran,

Abstract :

This study aims to explore the development of urban diplomacy as a tool for achieving sustainable governance in the metropolitan city of Tehran. With a population exceeding 8 million and facing challenges such as air pollution, traffic, inefficient waste management, and socio-economic inequalities, Tehran requires innovative approaches to sustainable management. Urban diplomacy, through strengthening international collaborations, such as membership in global networks (UCLG and C40), sister-city agreements, and leveraging digital technologies, can address these challenges. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach and exploratory factor analysis, this study examines 50 key indicators across five categories: urban diplomacy, sustainable governance, integration of diplomacy and governance, institutional and managerial, social and cultural, and environmental. Findings indicate that Tehran performs relatively well in digital diplomacy and international networking but faces challenges in project efficiency and equitable service distribution. The factor analysis identified three main factors: active diplomacy and international cooperation, environmental sustainability and urban efficiency, and social participation and transparency. The study suggests that Tehran can utilize urban diplomacy as a key tool for sustainable governance by focusing on strengthening global networking, enhancing local capacities, and increasing citizen participation. Obstacles such as limited institutional capacity and political constraints require special attention to position Tehran as a sustainable global metropolis.

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