October 24, 2023

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Sister Cities International.  This wonderful organization was founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to bring peace through people-to-people diplomacy.  For almost seventy years, the leadership and countless volunteers of SCI have built thousands of partnerships between cities in the United States and cities around the world.

In a time of increased conflict and political discord, it is even more important to build bridges across the world through friendships and collaborations between our country and others.  Sister Cities International will continue to serve as the catalyst for educational, cultural, humanitarian, and economic development exchanges and projects between cities.

The heart and soul of Sister Cities International is the vast network of city-to-city partnerships manned by thousands of city officials and volunteers who are committed to developing citizen diplomacy through a myriad of programs, exchanges, and activities.  State Representatives throughout the country coordinate each state’s programs, and Country and Region Representatives serve as the link between these programs and countries around the world.

Sister Cities International’s headquarters, through its partnership with the Department of State and other valuable collaborations, also provides an array of programming, including multi-national summits, the Youth Leadership Summit, and the Young Artists and Authors Showcase.  Our Annual Awards recognize the best Sister Cities International organizations, as well as model programs and outstanding volunteers.

We invite you to explore the world of Sister Cities International and become a part of a world-class organization founded and operating on the belief that peace is possible through the efforts of one person, one community at a time.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Sincerely,

Ricki Garrett, PhD
President and CEO