Governor Yuriko Koike Assumes Chairperson of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative Leading Global Solutions to Shared Challenges Toward a More Livable Tokyo

TOKYO, December 17, 2025 – The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) announced today that Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike would assume the role of Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative (OECD Champion Mayors).

TMG is advancing a wide range of initiatives guided by the Tokyo Strategy 2050, which serves as a compass toward the 2050s, with the aim of realizing Tokyo as the best city in the world - a city that balances maturity and ongoing growth, and where all individuals flourish and feel a sense of wellbeing. These efforts closely align with the OECD’s core principle of addressing inequality and promoting inclusive prosperity. In light of this alignment, and in recognition of Governor Koike’s anticipated leadership as a key nexus connecting cities across the world’s five continents in pursuit of sustainable growth, she has been appointed Chair of the Initiative, becoming the first city leader from Asia to hold the position.  

Cities feel climate, demographic, and resource pressures most acutely. Tokyo has met these challenges with forward-looking policies on women’s empowerment, childcare, decarbonisation, sustainable urban development, transport, and entrepreneurship – underpinned by a strong focus on resilience and crisis preparedness to protect lives and livelihoods. By sharing these experiences with the world, connecting cities facing common challenges and elevating mayors’ voices internationally, we will contribute to the safety and security of people around the globe.  

Details

1. Date of Assumption and Term. 

From Thursday, 1 January 2026, for a term of two years 

2. Responsibilities of the Chair 

• Hosting the Champion Mayors Annual Meeting 
• Convening the Steering Group, and drafting and disseminating joint statements, among other duties 

3. Background of the Assumption 

• Through various opportunities, Governor Koike has communicated Tokyo’s policies domestically and internationally on shared urban challenges such as climate change, strengthening resilience, and policies for women and children, while also emphasizing the importance of intercity collaboration and promoting partnerships with cities around the world. 
• In recognition of Governor Koike’s past contributions within the OECD Champion Mayors, as well as the high expectations for her leadership, she has been appointed Chair.s 

About the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative 

The OECD Champion Mayors is an international network launched by the OECD in 2016. It was established to bring together city leaders to share and promote policies and initiatives aimed at reducing inequality and fostering inclusive economic growth. As of December 2025, the network comprises 62 mayors from OECD member countries, accession candidate countries, and developing economies. Governor Koike has participated in this network since 2017.  

In 2023, the OECD Champion Mayors established a Steering Group to strengthen its leadership framework, and Governor Koike was appointed as a member of this group. 

In 2025, Governor Koike assumed the role of Vice-Chair of the Champion Mayors, with a special responsibility for women and children.