SISTER CITIES PROGRAM
The Sister Cities program links Philadelphia to the world by creating special relationships with 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 a committee of 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.
NEW SISTER CITY OPPORTUNITIES!
Philadelphia's Sister Cities Program is looking to connect local high schools with schools in Philadelphia's Sister Cities around the world for ongoing exchanges. Among the cities ready to begin an exchange Torun, Poland, which would like to partner a Philadelphia high school and its performing arts department for two-way exchanges with students and teachers. Interested schools can email Jennifer McGinn or call her at 215-683-0993.
Another Torun high school has an ongoing exchange with Philadelphia's Swensen and Lincoln High Schools. Check the photos under the Torun tab to see the most recent October 2011 exchange in Philadelphia!
