International Summer Party*
 is Thursday, July 18th

Many thanks to the generous people & corporations supporting IVC's event and work this past July.  Watch for interesting changes in this year's format including a Beer Garden, "Quiet Room" and more time for dancing!  
* Yes!  We've changed the BBQ's name to the International Summer Party!  


You can check out other international activities in the region in our 'corner'


SISTER CITIES PROGRAM

Philadelphia is officially linked with 7 Sister Cities and 3 Partnership Cities in 9 countries.  Areas of cooperation include:
- Economic development & trade
- Youth and education
- Municipal and technological cooperation
- Arts
- Sports & culture

The Sister Cities program links Philadelphia to the world by creating special relationships with the ten  Sister and Partnership cities and one "Partners for Peace" city with the Iraqi city, Mosul. 

At the heart of all Sister City program is an agreement signed by the mayors of each city confirming their commitment, and that of their successors, to the program.  Each Sister City agrees to send and receive delegations of political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, technical experts and students.  By building friendships between the residents and governments of Philadelphia and our Sister Cities, we:

 * Promote a positive image of Philadelphia and the U.S.
 * Educate our citizens about the world and its diversity
 * Promote tolerance and mutual understanding among nations
 * Strengthen our economies through business alliances 
 * And promote democracy through government-to-government exchanges

The City of Philadelphia's Sister Cities Program is a member of Sister Cities International, is funded by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and is administered by the International Visitor Council of Philadelphia, which works with the Office of the City Representative, committees and partners to execute official exchanges. 

The program is administered by Nancy Gilboy, President & CEO of IVC and Jennifer McGinn, IVC Director of Sister Cities and Special Projects.  Each Sister City is supported by volunteers who are committed to the goals and objectives of the program.  To become a member of the Sister City Association, contact Nancy Gilboy at 215.683.0997.

To check on recent & past activities, just click on the city link to the left.


Adding new Sister Cities

As much as we'd like to have a Sister City in every country, the economics of maintaining relationships doesn't permit it.  At this time, Philadelphia is unable to accept additional Sister Cities because we are committed to strengthening the relationships with the ten cities with which we have established relationships.  Our hope is to add more in the future.  When we do, it is essential that there is a large local ethnic community and an established organization within the community to support each Sister City relationship. 

It is equally important that anyone interested in requesting that a new city be considered, contact our office for advice.  For further information, contact Nancy Gilboy at 215.683.0997.

_________________________

   Become a member      Compass     Citizen Diplomacy      Member programs  
    
Special thanks         FAQs         Are you an expert?  

Visitor Programs         Community Connections          Newsletter  

IVC Board       Our signing board        Internships        Contact us 

 

Click above for the 2012 Annual Report released April 2013

Citizen diplomacy engages citizens in international relations. Meeting counterparts and experiencing everyday American life provides an authentic & more accurate view of the "real" U.S.


SAVE THE DATE!
& support our work at our Annual
International Summer Party
(formerly the 'BBQ')
Thursday
July 18th! 


Restaurants are already signing up for the 2013 Party! 
-Amuse at Le Meridien
-Aqua
-Asia on the Parkway
-Bistro St.Tropez
-Bliss
-Brauhaus Schmitz
-Bridget Foy's
-Capital Grille
-Chabaa Thai Bistro
-Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
-D'Angelo's Ristorante
-Davio's Steakhouse
-Fork
-Fratelli's Italian Bistro
-Jack's Firehouse
-Jane G's
-Marmont Steakhouse
-Mexican Post
-Moshulu
-Ocean Prime
-Opa
-Oyster House
-Panorama Ristorante 
-Percy Street Barbecue
-Pod
-Porcini
-Positano Coast
-The Prime Rib
-Raw
-Ristorante La Buca
-Route 6
 -Russet
-Serafina
-Square 1682
-Starr Restaurants
-The Swann Lounge
-Tir Na Nog
-Valley Green Inn
-XIX

Many more to come!
Click below for the
  BBQ Program Book
from the 2012 event!