Governor Koike Yuriko Assumes Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative: Leading Global Solutions to Shared Challenges

TOKYO, December 17, 2025 – The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) announced today that Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko will 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 of the OECD Champion Mayors, which serves as a node connecting cities across the world in pursuit of sustainable growth, she has been appointed Chair of the Initiative, becoming the first city leader from Asia to hold the position.   

According to a statement by the governor, “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. Term  

Two years, beginning January 1, 2026  

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 

• Through various opportunities, Governor Koike has shared Tokyo’s policies domestically and internationally on common 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. 
• Governor Koike has been appointed Chair in recognition of her contributions within the OECD Champion Mayors, as well as high expectations for her leadership. 

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.