Large cities are increasingly asserting their important role in international relations. In practice, diplomacy is no longer a domain reserved exclusively for nation-states, which were once considered the primary actors in global affairs. Today, cities and local governments are directly involved in addressing global issues such as climate change, health security, and innovation. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has now become a megacity. This reality creates an urgent need to develop a comprehensive diplomatic strategy for the city. Such a strategy must address how HCMC can strengthen its international standing, attract external resources, and enhance its competitiveness with other cities in the Asia–Pacific region. Urban diplomacy and multi-level diplomacy City diplomacy is a relatively new concept for HCMC, but it carries strong practical relevance. According to international definitions, city diplomacy, or urban diplomacy, encompasses external relations activities led by city governments and local organizations to represent the interests of the city on the international stage. In 2001, the Glocal Forum was established, emphasizing a globalized vision that highlights the increasingly important position of cities in international relations. The forum argues that mayors of major cities around the world have been entrusted with missions similar to those of diplomats. They occupy […]