Attendees view an exhibition booth during the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore on June 15, 2026. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday announced the launch of the Mayoral Fellowship, a by-invite program for current and former mayors from around the world to share experiences and build a community of practice. Speaking at the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore, Wong said he hoped mayors would use the platform to share both successes and setbacks and forge lasting relationships. (Photo: Xinhua)

SINGAPORE, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday announced the launch of the Mayoral Fellowship, a by-invite program for current and former mayors from around the world to share experiences and build a community of practice.

Speaking at the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore, Wong said he hoped mayors would use the platform to share both successes and setbacks and forge lasting relationships.

The inaugural cohort comprises the current mayors of Agra in India, Bucharest in Romania, Kigali in Rwanda, and Tshwane in South Africa. The program also includes visiting fellows who are former mayors, Wong said.

Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change that is reshaping economies and testing societies, city leaders are grappling with many of the same challenges, he said.

These include harnessing technology while keeping economies growing and ensuring no one is left behind, bringing together people from different backgrounds while maintaining social cohesion, and meeting growing infrastructure needs while keeping cities sustainable and livable.

"There is much we can learn from one another's experiences," Wong said, adding that cooperation among cities matters more than ever in a world that feels increasingly divided and fragmented.

The fellowship is part of the City Network for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, a platform launched by Singapore in 2024 to engage urban leaders and practitioners.

The network was founded by seven laureate cities recognized by the prize, including Suzhou, China. It has grown to 21 member cities since its inception, according to the prize's website.