History of Sister Cities International
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated the people-to-people program which is now known as “Sister Cities International” (SCI). Since then, 1,100 U.S. cities have become part of Sister Cities International, with ties to 1900 cities in 120 nations.
The mission of SCI is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and
cooperation – one individual, one community at a time. SCI is a nonprofit citizen
diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and
international communities. The organization strives to build global cooperation at the
municipal level, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development.
SCI is a leader for local community development and volunteer action that motivates and
empowers private citizens, municipal officials and business leaders to conduct long-term
sister city programs.
In September 1986, the Wilmington City Council established a Sister City Commission as a local partner to SCI. In 2004, the Sister Cities Association was formed as a private, non-profit membership based organization that provides community involvement in sister city relationships. Today, Sister Cities International, Wilmington Sister City Commission, and Sister Cities Association of Wilmington are a three way partnership sharing the same mission.
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through respect, understanding and cooperation...one individual, one community at a time.
Promoting peace
AboutOur Organization
The Sister Cities Association of Wilmington, Inc. is a private,
non-profit, membership based organization that provides
community involvement in the City of Wilmington’s sister city
relationships. The Association works closely with the City of
Wilmington Sister City Commission in its efforts to develop
international educational, arts, cultural, and economic
exchanges. Membership in SCAW is open to anyone
interested in promoting global cooperation at the local level.
The Association’s programs are financed through memberships,
grants, donations and fundraising efforts of the members. The
Sister Cities Association of Wilmington Inc. is organized
exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the
meaning of Section 501(C)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo (seated, left) and San Pedro, Belize Mayor Elsa Paz (right) sign the official agreement establishing a sister city relationship between the two cities in June 2007.
What We Do
The Association creates and strengthens sister city partnerships in an effort to increase global cooperation and promotes opportunities for international partnerships for citizens, businesses, schools, and organizations in Wilmington. Activities include: cultural events, youth programs and exchanges, teacher sponsorships and exchanges, hosting international visitors, economic development and more.
Sister Cities Association of Wilmington
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