Sister Cities International

Sister Cities International Connect globally. Thrive locally. The mission of Sister Cities International is just as important today as it was when it was founded.

Sister Cities International was created at President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House summit on citizen diplomacy, where he envisioned a network that would be a champion for peace and prosperity by fostering bonds between people from different communities around the world. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower reasoned that people from different cultures could understand, appreciate, a

nd celebrate their differences while building partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. Since its inception, the Sister Cities International network has played a key role in renewing and strengthening important global relationships. With the advent of the internet and new technologies, the world is becoming smaller, and the relationships and interactions between the U.S. and its international counterparts are more complex than ever. Despite this increase in online communication, the face-to-face meetings and personal relationships developed through sister cities are still vital and irreplaceable. Sister Cities International continues to expand its reach to new and emerging regions of the world and dedicates special focus to growing partnerships in Africa, Southeast and East Asia, and Latin America.

Seven weeks from today, the Sister Cities International network will come together in Washington, DC for a once-in-a-gen...
06/03/2026

Seven weeks from today, the Sister Cities International network will come together in Washington, DC for a once-in-a-generation celebration.
From July 22–25, the 70th Anniversary Homecoming will bring together local leaders, citizen diplomats, young professionals, international partners, and friends from across Sister Cities programs to celebrate seven decades of building global connections.
This is more than a conference. It's a chance to reconnect with colleagues from around the world, hear from leaders shaping the future of citizen diplomacy, visit embassies, explore new partnerships, and be part of a milestone moment in Sister Cities International history.
Join us for regional briefings, panels, showcases, awards, special events, networking opportunities, and more as we celebrate 70 years of impact and look ahead to the next chapter.
Learn more and register at sistercities.org.

Support the “I Like IKE” Campaign From May 13–24, 2026, we are raising funds to support the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS...
05/18/2026

Support the “I Like IKE” Campaign

From May 13–24, 2026, we are raising funds to support the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), an incredible program that brings 45 outstanding students to Washington, DC for a week focused on diplomacy, leadership, and global engagement.

Your generosity helps make this life-changing experience possible for students from around the world. Every contribution directly supports meaningful educational and leadership opportunities during the summit.

Suggested Giving Opportunities:

🔹 $50
Your contribution would sponsor a student's attendance at the Embassy Mentorship Dinner during the SCI Youth Leadership Summit, offering students a chance to learn, engage, and network.

🔹 $95
Your contribution would sponsor museum tickets and café vouchers for 3 students during the SCI Youth Leadership Summit, giving them the opportunity to explore Washington, DC’s rich history while sharing a memorable experience together.

🔹 $150
Your contribution would provide a full day of meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, for two students at the SCI Youth Leadership Summit.

🔹 $325
Your contribution would sponsor a guided Washington, DC experience for 5 students during the SCI Youth Leadership Summit, allowing them to discover the nation’s capital through an engaging and educational group outing.

No donation is too small, and every gift helps shape future leaders. Join us in investing in the next generation: https://donate.stripe.com/dRm3cv5aecQp443ekVfEk2f

🏆 Recognition starts here! Apply now for the Sister Cities International Annual Awards and showcase your community’s imp...
04/27/2026

🏆 Recognition starts here! Apply now for the Sister Cities International Annual Awards and showcase your community’s impact on a national stage. Winners will be honored at our 70th Anniversary Homecoming. Deadline extended to May 15.

Good news! 🎉 We’ve extended the Early Registration Deadline for our 70th Anniversary Homecoming in Washington, DC to May...
04/22/2026

Good news! 🎉 We’ve extended the Early Registration Deadline for our 70th Anniversary Homecoming in Washington, DC to May 1 at 11:59 PM EST.

⏰ This is your final chance to secure the lowest rate—ticket prices increase by $100 after May 1. Space is limited.

🎟️ Register today to lock in your spot, celebrate this milestone with us, and join an unforgettable weekend in the nation’s capital!

We’re excited to partner with the United States-Japan Foundation to announce the first recipients of the U.S.-Japan Glob...
04/16/2026

We’re excited to partner with the United States-Japan Foundation to announce the first recipients of the U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant: Buffalo/Kanazawa and Broomfield/Ueda. Their upcoming projects will tackle important local challenges through bird conservation efforts and creative approaches to reduce municipal waste. We can’t wait to see the impact of their work!

🌸 Our April Membership Spotlight features the Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach, celebrating decades of cultur...
04/10/2026

🌸 Our April Membership Spotlight features the Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach, celebrating decades of cultural exchange with Miyazaki, Japan!

Exciting news! Sister Cities International is now accepting applications for the 2026 Board of Directors election. Votin...
04/08/2026

Exciting news! Sister Cities International is now accepting applications for the 2026 Board of Directors election. Voting happens online, and results will be announced at our 70th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration in Washington, DC on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Complete your application and supplemental materials by 11:59 PM PT on Monday, April 27!

From all of us at Sister Cities International, we wish our friends and partners around the world a joyful Eid al-Fitr, c...
03/19/2026

From all of us at Sister Cities International, we wish our friends and partners around the world a joyful Eid al-Fitr, celebrating peace, generosity, and the spirit of global friendship. 🌙✨

Happy International Women’s Day! 🌸 At Sister Cities International, we celebrate the women who connect communities, stren...
03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s Day! 🌸
At Sister Cities International, we celebrate the women who connect communities, strengthen partnerships, and advance citizen diplomacy around the world.
Today, and throughout Women’s History Month, we honor their leadership and impact.

We’re proud to add Tryon to the growing network of Sister Cities International.🌍Together, we’ll continue building bridge...
02/28/2026

We’re proud to add Tryon to the growing network of Sister Cities International.🌍

Together, we’ll continue building bridges that connect communities across borders.

Address

1012 14th Street NW, Suite 1400
Washington D.C., DC
20005

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12023478630

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