Sister Cities International 50th Anniversary Conference
The 50th Anniversary Conference in Washington D.C. celebrated the past while looking to the future of the citizen diplomacy movement. It was held in conjunction with the National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy, as well as an International Youth Summit on Global Citizenship for students to develop leadership skills, advocate for citizen diplomacy issues, and make lifelong friendships.
The Global Envoy Program: Partners Spreading the Sister City Mission
The Global Envoy Program started in 2001 as a way to increase Sister Cities International’s presence at global events. The envoys represent Sister Cities International at conferences, embassies, meetings, and other important events to spread the mission of the organization. See our Global Envoys here.
Sister Cities International 40th Anniversary Photo Contest
Sister Cities International held a photo contest in 1996 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sister city movement. These images celebrated the beauty and power of sister city friendships and programs. Today, youth can submit their photos to Sister Cities International’s Young Artists and Authors Showcase to express their passion for citizen diplomacy.
Washington D.C. Proclaims “International Sister Cities Day”
The Mayor of Washington D.C. proclaims October 7-8, 1988 as “International Sister Cities Days in Washington, D.C.
Sister Cities – We Are One
Popular singer and writer, John Denver, recorded “Sister Cities: We Are One.” The song was introduced at the 30th anniversary conference in Los Angeles. The song was performed by co-author and writing partner Dik Darnell and accompanied by “Kids of the Century” (who appeared on the popular television show “Fame”).
The George V. Allen National Tri-Media Contest
The precursor to our current Young Artists and Authors Showcase, the National Tri-Media Contest encouraged youth to think about “the Challenge of Saving our World Environment” and express their thoughts through essays, poetry, or photography.
Technical Exchange in Developing Countries: The Technical Assistance Program (TAP)
The Technical Assistance Program was established in 1977 to exchange technical expertise between United States communities and affiliated communities in developing countries.
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The 500th United States Community Joins Sister Cities International
Savannah, Georgia and sister city Patras, Greece, became the 500th United States community to join the growing sister city program. This occasion was marked by accolades from President Gerald Ford. Lou Wozar presented the President with three volumes of American history and a Sister Cities International pin to mark the milestone.
The First Annual Sister Cities International Conference
1974 was the first year that the annual conference was called the "Sister Cities International Conference". It took place in Phoenix, Arizona in September, and the theme was “Communicating for World Peace.”
A Special Leader: Lou Wozar
Louis Wozar, a civic leader and industrialist from Dayton, Ohio, was elected the third president of the association at the annual conference in Seattle, Washington. He traveled to more than 60 countries on behalf of the sister cities program at his own expense, and is the namesake of Sister Cities International’s current annual awards dinner.
