Toyota City, Japan – The Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdihakim Ashkir, represented the Federal Government of Somalia this week at the International Mayors Forum hosted in Toyota City, Japan — a gathering that brought together municipal leaders and senior officials from 39 countries and 68 cities.
For Somalia, Ashkir’s participation marked more than a ceremonial appearance. It was an opportunity to place the country’s decentralization and reconciliation journey within a global conversation on city governance, peacebuilding and sustainable development.
During the forum, discussions centered on how local leadership can drive national stability — a theme deeply resonant with Somalia’s ongoing federalization efforts. Ashkir reportedly highlighted the critical role that district and regional administrations play in strengthening trust between citizens and the state, particularly in post-conflict settings.
The city of Toyota, globally recognized for its innovation and community-centered urban planning, served as an ideal backdrop for the exchange. Delegates shared experiences on municipal resilience, smart infrastructure and inclusive policy-making — areas where Somalia is actively seeking partnerships and technical support.
Ashkir’s presence reinforced Somalia’s commitment to international cooperation at both national and municipal levels. While the country continues to face security and governance challenges, its representatives are increasingly engaging in forums that emphasize pragmatic solutions rooted in local leadership.
The Deputy Minister is expected to return with lessons and potential collaboration frameworks that could help reinforce Somalia’s decentralization agenda — one city at a time.