About Us | Phoenix Sister Cities

We Connect Hearts And Minds

Sister cities committee holding city of Phoenix flag At the heart of all Sister City programs is an agreement, signed by the mayors of each Sister City, confirming the commitment of each community to the Sister City program. Sister Cities agree to send and receive delegations of various types, including political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, and technical experts because these exchanges promote cross-cultural understanding, municipal and technical cooperation, and business opportunities. Each Sister City is supported by a committee of volunteers who are committed to the goals and objectives of the program.

“This program has made a tremendous impact. It has introduced Phoenix to the rest of the world and the rest of the world to us.” – Terry Goddard, former Arizona Attorney General (2003 – 2011) and Mayor of Phoenix (1984-1990).

Mission Statement

Phoenix Sister Cities exists to create people-to-people relationships between the residents of Phoenix and its sister cities through commercial, educational, cultural and artistic exchange programs and events that create and sustain global, long-term, international partnerships and business opportunities for the citizens of Phoenix.

Office of Protocol

In addition to fulfilling its stated mission, Phoenix Sister Cities, through a public-private partnership, serves the city of Phoenix as the official Office of Protocol. In this capacity, it is the city’s primary contact for individuals and delegations from around the world who represent trade, government, and cultural organizations. For information on the City of Phoenix, please click here.

Our Programs are Prized

“When you are sitting in Phoenix and thinking of doing business in Ireland, you don’t have the knowledge of how to get it done. But the Ennis connection opened up golf exchanges to us. … Any time you rely on a Phoenix Sister City relationship, doors open wider than anything you can imagine.” – Rob McGarey, President & CEO Southwest Retail Group, Inc. (Member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, which puts on the Phoenix Open)

Sister Cities International has recognized Phoenix Sister Cities with numerous awards for Best Overall Program in the nation. Phoenix Sister Cities views multi faceted exchanges/activities as essential to the lifeblood of the program. In the ongoing process of strengthening Sister City partnerships, Phoenix Sister Cities ensures that at least one exchange/activity occurs throughout the program year with every one of its sister city relationships. We take a proactive approach to the development of projects through a concentrated effort to initiate and engage our Sister City partners in a dialogue on new and innovative exchanges/activities.

Phoenix Sister Cities offers youth the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of multiple cultures by participating in the many Youth and Education programs we offer (e.g., Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and the International Young Artist Competition).

The program also offers a valuable hands-on experience that will help form bridges of international understanding and goodwill. In an effort to increase community outreach and participation, some events have been selected that have a mass appeal and transcend cultures. Therefore, they have the ability to attract participants that may not necessarily have a specific sister city or cultural interest (e.g., Chinese Week, French Week, Evening in Prague, Global Links Business Outlook Luncheon, and Girl’s Day). Through this strategy, Phoenix Sister Cities has been able to increase and diversify its membership and volunteer base as well as involve the public in the exchanges/activities that we develop and coordinate.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Organization Structure Chart

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors determines and carries out Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) policies and programs. It makes sure that the PSC Board of Directors and its various Sister Cities, Program Committee, and Standing Committees operate consistently with established PSC policies and procedures. Members also oversee the operating funds and capital assets of PSC for the use and benefit of the organization. They also approve programs, activities, and financial commitments of PSC and its Committees.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of the Immediate Chair Emeritus, Chairman of the Board, Chair-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Chairpersons of the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, one City Committee Chairperson representing the City Committees, and one member-at-large appointed by the President and serving as a Commission Member, and any such other officers determined necessary for conducting the business of the Corporation. Its function is to review financials, policies, and procedures for presentation to the Board of Directors for their consideration and approval.

Disablity Awareness Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Disability Awareness Committee was the first such sister city committee developed in the United States and Phoenix Sister Cities remains the only local program with a committee that focuses on disabilities issues. The Committee promotes awareness of this issue throughout the Phoenix sister Cities network. The Phoenix Sister Cities Disability Awareness Committee has been recognized for excellence by the National Organization on Disabilities by receiving its sister cities award five out of the last seven years.

The Disability Awareness Committee explores how Phoenix Sister Cities can fully incorporate people with disabilities into all programs and activities as well as create opportunities to share information and build disabilities awareness among the Sister Cities. The Committee exchanges information about accessibility issues, arts programs and adaptive recreation for people with disabilities and professionals who work with various special needs on an individual basis and community setting. The Committee has worked with both the Hermosillo and Grenoble Committees to produce unique experiences for disabled athletes and community leaders. The Disability Awareness Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Economic Relations Committee

The mission of the Phoenix Sister Cities Economic Relations Committee is to develop, maintain and grow productive economic relationships between Phoenix business enterprises and Phoenix’s nine international sister cities. The Economic Relations Committee achieves this by promoting Phoenix, Phoenix Sister Cities and new business relationships that educate local businesses on international trends and practices while strengthening the economic ties that bind Phoenix to the progressive global economy. The Economic Relations Committee (ERC), helps Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) with economic planning, financial goals and constant review and development of economic relations criteria for evaluation of current and future sister city relationships. The ERC seeks to support local businesses by holding talks and seminars to share ainformation about global markets; most notable is the Global Links Business Luncheon speaker series. The ERC further supporsts the local business community by conducting local events and visiting government and business representatives from PSC’s sister cities and organizing and leading delegations of Phoenix businesses to the PSC sister cities.

Calgary Committee

Canadian Flag The Calgary Committee is dedicated to creating exceptional people-to-people opportunities for citizens, businesses, and organizations in both communities. The Committee supports student exchanges and actively promotes business opportunities through the organization of trade missions and business forums. The Committee organizes the Great Canadian Picnic which attracts thousands of winter Canadians to the all day event. The Committee facilitates the participation of Calgary youth who have suffered burns by bringing them to Phoenix each year to attend Camp Courage, a local burn camp. The Calgary Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Catania Committee

Italian Flag The Catania Committee promotes and encourages activities and exchanges to promote art, culture, education and business opportunities between Catania and Phoenix. The Committee welcomes new ideas and projects that will help it achieve its long-term goal of bringing the cultures of these two important urban centers closer. The Catania Committee actively supports the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and seeks out business opportunities that are beneficial to each city. It also participates in hosting visiting delegations and has a role in all major events produced by Phoenix Sister Cities. The Catania Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Chengdu Committee

Chinese Flag The Chengdu Committee fosters and encourages mutual understanding, friendship, and a higher quality of life for the people of Phoenix and Chengdu. At the heart of the Committee is the commitment to exchange, partnership, and expertise which translates into long-term benefits for citizens, organizations, businesses, and schools, both in Phoenix and Chengdu. Volunteer committee members work to promote activities including Chinese Week, trade delegations, youth and education programs, arts and cultural exchanges, teacher training, and municipal training. The Chengdu Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Ennis Committee

Irish Flag The Ennis Committee is dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the cities of Phoenix and Ennis through a variety of programs. The Ennis Committee supports the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Exchange Program, the Irish Castle Banquet, the St. Patrick’s Parade and Irish Faire, the Irish Cultural Center at Hance Park, and other Irish cultural events. At the same time the Committee actively promotes business opportunities between the two cities. The Ennis Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Grenoble Committee

French Flag The Grenoble Committee is devoted to nurturing the Phoenix-Grenoble relationship by promoting and supporting a variety of opportunities that connect the two cities. These include, but are not limited to, cultural exchanges, economic development, art exhchages, and sports-for-the-disabled in the form of activities and events. The Committee also works to foster relationships between ASU and universities in Grenoble in many areas including nanotechnology. Volunteers participate in French Week, a program sponsored by the Association of French Teachers. The Grenoble Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Hermosillo Committee

Mexican Flag The Hermosillo Committee supports a rich and busy friendship between Phoenix and Hermosillo, Mexico, overseeing extensive exchanges among business people, students, teachers, police and firefighters, sports enthusiasts, and many others. The Committee provides disabilities assistance to Hermosillo in a variety of ways. For example, two fully equipped vans with wheelchair lifts were presented to Hermosillo. The Committee organizes an annual Christmas toy drive for needy children in Hermosillo in cooperation with the Phoenix Police Department. Other activities include high school youth exchanges, exchange of university students and faculty, and the exchange of youth baseball teams. The Hermosillo Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Himeji Committee

Japanese Flag The Himeji Committee actively supports the city of Himeji, Japan and promotes Japanese culture through its relationship and activities with the Japanese-American community of Phoenix. The Committee’s main project is Matsuri, a festival of Japan held in downtown Phoenix the last weekend of February. The Committee supports the festival by working at the two-day event. The Himeji Committee supports the goal of nurturing future international leaders by sending Youth Ambassadors to Himeji. The Committee also is involved in the Teach Abroad Program that sends Phoenix teachers to Himeji to work for the Himeji Board of Education, helping Japanese youth speak and understand conversational English. The Himeji Committee meets monthly and welcomes volunteers.

Prague Committee

Czech Republic Flag The Prague Committee is an active focal point for promoting Czech culture in Phoenix. Throughout the year the Committee promotes business opportunities between Prague and Phoenix by organizing economic development forums which focus on Central Europe. The Committee also supports the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and plays an integral role int the organization of various cultural events. Committee volunteers are actively engaged to promote the mission of Phoenix Sister Cities which is to encourage the growth of Phoenix as an international city. The Prague Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Ramat-Gan Committee

Israeli Flag The Ramat-Gan Committee is dedicated to promoting art and culture, sports, education, and business opportunities between Ramat-Gan and Phoenix. The Committee seeks out and supports opportunities for the two desert cities to share technology and information that are mutually beneficial. The Ramat-Gan Committee cultivates a pluralistic, area-wide membership and is actively engaged in developing business contacts to help the Committee and Phoenix Sister Cities meet it international goals. Throughout the year, Committee volunteers support the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Program Exchange and maintain a presence at all Phoenix Sister Cities events. The Ramat-Gan Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Taipei Committee

Taiwanese Flag The Taipei Committee is a bridge connecting the City of Phoenix and the City of Taipei, Taiwan through cultural, educational, and business exchanges. The Taipei Committee supports the Taipei-Phoenix Sister Cities relationship through Youth Ambassador and teacher exchanges. Among its many activities, Committee volunteers actively promote Phoenix Chinese Week, Taipei cultural performances and delegation visits, the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, Taipei Culture Summer Camp, and the Asian Business Expo. The Committee also provides outreach to the Phoenix community about Taipei. The Taipei Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

GOVERNING DOCUMENTS

Listed below are the Governing Document for Phoenix Sister Cities. These are available for download for our members.

Board of Directors’ Responsibilities
Articles of Incorporation
Strategic Plan
Bylaws
Revenue Sharing Policy

History

Over 40 Years of Sister Cities Relationships

Affiliations between the United States and other countries began shortly after World War II and soon became popularly known as Sister Cities. The Sister City movement became a national effort when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the People-to-People program at a White House conference in 1956. Today, over 2,000 U.S. cities in all 50 states are linked with over 1,800 foreign cities in 123 different countries. Sister Cities International celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1996. For more than 42 years, the Sister Cities program has broadened its areas of focus from educational and cultural exchanges to also include technical assistance, trade, and economic development.

Sister Cities International, as the national nonprofit membership organization serving members in the United States, acts as a clearinghouse and facilitator in assisting communities with the development and maintenance of their Sister City partnerships. Besides Phoenix, other Arizona cities that are members of Sister Cities International and support local sister city organizations include Flagstaff, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Prescott, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Show Low/Pinetop-Lakeside, Sierra Vista, Tempe, Tucson, and Yuma.

The City of Phoenix joined the Sister City movement in 1972 with the creation of Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC). As a nonprofit organization seeking to develop understanding and better relationships with designated cities around the world, PSC filed for Articles of Incorporation in 1975 and signed their first Sister City linkage with Hermosillo, Mexico in 1976. Since then, Phoenix has linked with Himeji, Japan (1976); Taipei, Taiwan (1979); Chengdu, China (1987); Ennis, Ireland (1988); Grenoble, France (1990); Calgary, Canada (1997); Catania, Italy (2001); Ramat-Gan, Israel (2005); and Prague, Czech Republic (2013).

These invaluable partnerships offer a forum for fostering and encouraging mutual understanding, friendship and peace through cultural, social, educational, and economic exchanges between the people of Phoenix and the people of our Sister Cities.

For information on Sister Cities International, please click here.

Awards

Sister cities employees and committee members

2016 Sister Cities International’s Innovation Award for Youth and Education

Phoenix Sister Cities awarded the 2016 Sister Cities International Innovation Award for Youth and Education

WASHINGTON, DC – Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) has won Sister Cities International’s (SCI) 2016 Innovation Award for Youth and Education for a city with a population greater than 500,000. The 2016 Sister Cities International Innovation Award for Youth and Education recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding community and individual sister city programs that promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

One of PSC’s most important objectives is to facilitate people-to-people relationships through international engagement and cultural exchange initiatives for Phoenix’s youth. In 2015, PSC hosted several youth and amabassador programs including the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, Teach Abroad – Himeji, Japan, a college internship program, the Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp, the Youth Ambassador Alumni Association, the Youth Ambassador Big Buddy program, the Phoenix Sister Cities Economic Ambassador Exchange Program, the “Mini-Ambassador” exchange program, and a youth baseball exchange in Taipei, Taiwan.

SCI’s Annual Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Innovation (Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Humanitarian Assistance, and Youth and Education), and Volunteer of the Year. Award winners will be honored at the Lou Wozar Diplomatic Awards Dinner on Saturday, July 16 during SCI’s 60^th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, DC.

SCI’s 60^th anniversary celebration will include an Annual Conference and Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, DC July 13-16, 2016. The celebration will bring together hundreds of the most influential global leaders in diplomacy, foreign affairs, policy, business, and innovation. Elected and municipal officials, business leaders, youth delegates, and citizen diplomats will discuss this year’s theme “Peace through People,” building on President Eisenhower’s initial vision of creating a more peaceful world by building global relationships.

2015 Sister Cities International Best Overall Program Award

WASHINGTON, DC – Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) has won Sister Cities International’s 2015 Best Overall Program Award for a city with a population over 500,001. The 2015 Sister Cities International Best Overall Program Award recognizes sister city programs that demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in 2014 in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.

In 2014, PSC’s strategic goal included sustaining and increasing participation in youth and education programs, creating economic development initiatives, strengthening municipal cooperation for the mutual benefit of Phoenix and its sister cities, playing an active role in the development of arts and culture events and activities, sustaining PSC’s inclusion of people with disabilities in programs and exchanges, and establishing a PSC signature event.

Their strategic goals were fulfilled through 52 events, exchange, and activities including the participation of students and graduates in teaching and exchange programs, creating business programs in multiple sister cities involving young entrepreneurs and delegation visits, training medical professionals on the treatment of burn patients and sponsoring youth burn survivors in sister cities, hosting a myriad of cultural events including a Chinese Week Festival and a Sicilian wine and cheese tasting, conducting workshops, visits, and art competitions for people with disabilities, established a Mayor’s International Gala as a signature event and fundraiser for PSC, and many more. PSC continues to enhance the City of Phoenix’s international presence. Conservatively, it is estimated that 100,000 Phoenix citizens and visitors were directly touched by a PSC related event or program in 2014.

Sister Cities International’s Annual Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Innovation (Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Energy/Sustainable Development, Humanitarian Assistance, and Youth & Education), Volunteer of the Year, and Youth Leadership. Award winners will be honored at a special ceremony on Saturday, July 18 during Sister Cities International’s 59th Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Sister Cities International 59th Annual Conference will bring together elected and municipal officials, engaged citizens, diplomats, and business leaders to Minneapolis, Minnesota to discuss, “Building Generations for Peace.” Conference sessions will provide attendees with opportunities to learn about strengthening their sister city programs through informative sessions led by experts and industry leaders. For more information on the 2015 Sister Cities International Annual Conference, please visit: www.SisterCitiesConference.org.

(Taken Directly from Sister Cities International Press Release)

2013 Award for Arts and Culture presented in Washington DC by SCI and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

The 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference was jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Washington, DC, March 26-28, 2014. Mary Kane, Sister Cities International President and CEO, presented a welcome speech at the opening reception at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Her counterpart, Xie Yuan, Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries President, expressed his congratulations for U.S.-China sister cities programs and the great efforts and achievements of the past 35 years.

During the three day conference panel discussions and workshops covered topics including community engagement programs, planning effective exchanges, energy and sustainable development and education exchanges that were held for community leaders and local governments. Business representatives also discussed and shared their experience and strategies on building commercial and economic exchanges. A mayors panel and buisness panel highlighted the strategies and opportunities to build business relationships between the U.S. and China across different economic sectors.

The 35^th anniversary U.S.-China Sister Cities awards dinner was held in the atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Chengdu and Phoenix were honored for their distinguished sister cities program and took home the award for arts & culture. Chengdu Vice Mayor Zuo Zheng was joined by Ms. Li Li, Vice Chairwoman of the Chengdu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Ms. Zhao Ling, Secretary General of the Chengdu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries,who traveled all the way from Chengdu to attend the conference. Traveling from Phoenix were Phoenix Sister Cities Chengdu Committee Chairman Al Yee, Phoenix Sister Cities board member Allan Yang, Phoenix Sister Cities deputy director Rick Gerrard, and Phoenix Sister Cities intern Grace Gao.

2013 Sister Cities International Innovation for Economic Development Award

WASHINGTON, DC – Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) has won Sister Cities International’s 2013 Innovation: Economic Development Award for a city with a population over 500,001. The 2013 Sister Cities International Innovation in Economic Development Award recognizes sister city programs that demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in 2012 in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.

2012 Friendship City Award for Communications and Cooperation in China

During the first convention of the International Sister Cities Tourism Alliance (ISCTA), an organization established during the 2011 Chengdu International Sister Cities conference as a means for Chengdu and its various sister cities to mutually promote each other’s tourism industries Phoenix Sister Cities Executive Director Paula West, accepted a joint award recognizing the quality and success of the relationship that has been developed between Phoenix and Chengdu as sister cities.

2010 Disability Advocacy Award

Phoenix Sister Cities was pleased to accept the 2010 Disability Advocacy Award for the 8th time. The award was a testament to the creativity and hard work that the Disabilities Awareness Committee dedicates to the organization of two outstanding international events: the International Competition for Artists with Disabilities and the International Competition with Writers with Disabilities. Both of these outstanding events attract entries from throughout great Phoenix metropolitan area as well as international entries from Phoenix’s sister cities. Both events are now held annually.

2009 Innovation Award in Youth and Education

On July 31, 2009, at the Sister Cities International 2009 Awards Program in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission was selected to receive the Innovation: Youth and Education Award.The award for a population greater than 500,000 was awarded for the commission’s work and contribution over the past year.

2009 Volunteer of the Year Award

For the first time, Phoenix Sister Cities was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award when past-president and longtime Board member and volunteer, Carol Seidberg, was presented the honor at the 2009 Sister Cities International Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ms. Seidberg has been involved with Phoenix Sister Cities since 1999 and played a key role in the establishment of two sister city relationships: Catania, Italy and Ramat-Gan, Israel. Carol and her husband Ken have given both time and treasure to the organization, donating over $100,000 over the years. They have traveled abroad with Phoenix Sister Cities on twelve occasions. Carol served for seven years on the Board of Directors and served for one year as president. She chaired the By-laws Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. She has been a powerful advocate for Phoenix Sister Cities for over a decade.

TOLMUN 2008 Outstanding Delegation

The Phoenix Sister Cities delegation to the TOLMUN Model UN conference in Toluca, Mexico was named Outstanding Delegation for their performance at the conference. The group, comprised of students from Phoenix high schools, was selected for their effort in the international conference which included delegations from Fort Worth, TX., Luxembourg, Germany and Mexico. The competition was held from October 20 to October 22, 2008. The Phoenix delegates to TOLMUN were selected based on their outstanding service as members of Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program. In addition to the group award, Cassie Gannon and Caitlan Spencer were named Best Delegate for their respective committees, while Billy Mask and Lindsey Walker received honorable mention.

2008 Best Summer Vacation

The Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program was honored as “Best Summer Vacation” of 2008 by the Phoenix New Times in its annual “Best Of” issue. The magazine, which was published September 25, recognized the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program for the diversity and freedom that it offers, Diversity for many Valley teens means going to a mall and watching the world walk by. But some kids are lucky enough to escape town for the summer. Some ambitious adolescents will go far. The “Best Summer Vacation” award can be found on page 79 of the New Times Best of Phoenix 2008 edition, or online here.

2007 Best Overall Program

Phoenix Sister Cities was the recipient of the award for Best Overall Program in the United States for cities with populations of 500,000 and over. This award, the most prestigious given by Sister Cities International, recognized Phoenix Sister Cities for innovative exchanges with projects like the Bellini Opera Engagement and the enhanced Youth Ambassador Exchange Program as well as outstanding events like WorldFEST featuring all ten sister cities. It also recognizes excellent local program governance and the participation of numerous volunteers in the promotion of international cooperation and friendship. This represents the 7th time in the past 18 years that Phoenix Sister Cities has received the top award.

2007 Disability Advocacy Award

Phoenix Sister Cities was the recipient of the 2007 award for Disability Advocacy. This award was the result of two major projects in calendar year 2007: the 2nd Annual International Competition for Artists with Disabilities; and, a workshop on brain trauma given in Hermosillo, Mexico to a total of over 80 therapists. The award also is a product of an adaptive toy distribution targeted to disabled children in Hermosillo. The Disabilities Awareness Committee of Phoenix Sister Cities has now been recognized 7 times in the past 10 years with this well deserved award.

2006 50th Anniversary Award

The Phoenix Sister Cities Commission was a recipient of the Sister Cities International 50th Anniversary Award at the July 2006 conference of Sister Cities International in Washington, DC. The award recognized sister city programs that demonstrated long-term commitment and sustainability of their sister city programs. Community submissions were evaluated on the number and quality of exchange programs that emphasized the role of volunteers as leaders in public diplomacy; comprehensive participation from the community in exchanges and events diverse in scope; and the consistent involvement of local government in the sister city program.

2006 Best International Delegation

Phoenix Youth Ambassadors bring home the award for the Mejor Delegacion Internacional (Best International Delegation). A group of six outstanding 2006 Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors and Youth and Education Program Manager, Misty Cisneros traveled far south of the border to participate in the VIII TOLMUN INTERNATIONAL (Toluca Model of United Nations). The conference was a simulation of the United Nations (UN) system, where students assumed the role of delegates at the UN and debated relevant affairs on the current agenda of this organization. Through diplomacy and negotiation, students adopted the official position of the country they are representing. They faced complex worldwide issues, such as the environment and sustainable development, empowerment, ethnic conflicts, refugees, peacekeeping, disarmament, terrorism, corruption, human rights, etc. The objective was to reach consensus in the resolution of global problems. Participation in such a conference provided the delegates with the necessary tools to analyze and discern historical and contemporary facts, besides allowing and promoting a critical thinking towards historical and contemporary facts. TOLMUN promoted a diplomatic learning process where the attendees obtained simultaneous and spontaneous knowledge and values which would be very difficult to acquire in a different environment. Among the activities that more than 350 students performed during this three day event included dialogue, debate, structure resolutions, veto, and achieving consensus. Two individual honors were also received by members of the Phoenix delegation. Both Stacey Wilkinson of North Canyon High School and CJ Kessler of Arcadia High School were recognized as outstanding delegates for their extraordinary participation in the conference. The Phoenix delegation was well received by all the other participants in the conference from various cities in Mexico, United States and Germany. Selection to be a part of the delegation was based upon Youth Ambassador outstanding performance during the 2006 Youth Ambassador program. Students were home hosted by Toluca families and were able to experience Mexican culture with new Mexican friends. The delegates participated in local excursions including festivals, sight seeing in Mexico City and a local concert. Members of the award winning delegation included:

Stephanie Bacher, Shadow Mountain High School (Calgary)
Ryne Barry, Thunderbird High School (Himeji)
Kimberly Delnoce, Arcadia High School (Prague)
Carlos Hernandez, Washington High School (Chengdu)
CJ Kessler, Arcadia High School (Taipei)
Stacey Wilkinson, North Canyon High School (Taipei)

2005 Best Overall Program

At the Sister Cities International conference, Phoenix Sister Cities received the Best Overall Program Award in the category of U.S. cities with more than 500,000 people. This award is in recognition of an outstanding sister city for its effective program administration, variety of exchanges offered and overall efforts to improve international cooperation and understanding.

2005 Innovation Award for Sustainable Development

At the Sister Cities International conference, Phoenix Sister Cities received the Innovation Award for Sustainable Development in the field of municipal cooperation. This award is in recognition of Phoenix Sister Cities participation with other cities in sharing information and cooperating on issues of mutual concern. Phoenix Sister Cities has continued to cooperate with the Phoenix Police and Fire Department by hosting a delegation from Chengdu, China. This delegation was treated to an in-depth look at the local fire departments as well as public safety program.

2005 The National Organization on Disability Award

At the Sister Cities International conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the National Organization on Disability award. This award is in recognition of PSCC’s innovative projects and Disabilities Awareness Committee that provides people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in international cooperation and sister cities activities.

2004 Best Overall Program

At the 49th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Best Overall Program Award in the category of U.S. cities with more that 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of an outstanding sister city for its effective program administration, variety of exchanges offered and overall efforts to improve international cooperation and understanding.

2004 Innovation Award for Sustainable Development

At the 49th annual Sister Cities International conference, the Phoenix Sister Cites Commission received the Innovation Award for Sustainable Development in the field of municipal cooperation. This award is in recognition of PSCC’s participation with other cities in sharing information and cooperating on issues of mutual concern. PSCC recently cooperated with the Phoenix Police and Fire Department in presenting a 5-member delegation from Chengdu, China to various public safety departments and facilities throughout Phoenix.

2004 The National Organization on Disability Award

At the 49th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the National Organization on Disability award. This award is in recognition of PSCC’s innovative projects and Disabilities Awareness Committee that provides people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in international cooperation and sister cities activities.

2003 Innovation Award for Education

At the 48th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Innovation Award for Education in the category of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of achievements in the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, International Young Artist Competition, Global Connections World Technology Conference, Short-Term Teacher Exchange and the Long-Term Teach Abroad.

2002 Innovation Award for Economic Development

At the 47th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Innovation Award for Economic Development in the category of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of achievements in creating unique opportunities for Phoenix citizens to connect as business leaders, educators, public officials, private citizens and students with outstanding, like-minded citizens of our sister cities throughout the world.

2002 Innovation Award for Sport Exchanges

At the 47th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Innovation Award for Sport Exchanges in the category of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of achievements in our first-ever participation in the Taipei Dragon Boast Festival in Taipei, Taiwan.

2001 Best Overall Program

At the 46th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Best Overall Program Award in the category of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of an outstanding sister city for its effective program administration, variety of exchanges offered and overall efforts to improve international cooperation and understanding.

2001 The National Organization on Disability Award

The Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the National Organization on Disability award for the second year running. This award is in recognition of PSCC’s innovative projects and Disabilities Ad Hoc Committee that provides people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in international cooperation and sister cities activities.

2001 Innovation Award for Economic Development

At the 46th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Innovation Award for Economic Development in the category of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of achievements in creating unique opportunities for Phoenix citizens to connect as business leaders, educators, public officials, private citizens and students with outstanding, like-minded citizens of our sister cities throughout the world.

2000 The National Organization on Disability Award

2000 Innovation Award for Economic Development

At the 45th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Innovation Award for Economic Development in the category of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people. This award is in recognition of achievements in creating unique opportunities for Phoenix citizens to connect as business leaders, educators, public officials, private citizens and students with outstanding, like-minded citizens of our sister cities throughout the world.

1999 Best Overall Program

At the 44th annual Sister Cities International Conference, the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received the Best Overall Program Award in the category of U.S. cities with more than 30,000 people. This award is in recognition of an outstanding sister city for its effective program administration, variety of exchanges offered and overall efforts to improve international cooperation and understanding.

1999 The National Organization on Disability Award

The Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received The National Organization on Disability award for the second year running. This award is in recognition of PSCC’s innovative projects and Disabilities Ad Hoc Committee that provides people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in international cooperation and sister cities activities.

1998 The National Organization on Disability Award

The Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received The National Organization on Disability award. This award is in recognition of PSCC’s innovative projects and Disabilities Ad Hoc Committee that provides people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in international cooperation and sister cities activities.

1997 Best Overall Program for Youth and Education

The Phoenix Sister Cities Commission received a Best Overall Award in the category of “Best Youth Program” from Sister Cities International for involving youth in organizational activities with all sister cities, specifically the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, the Chengdu Educational Exchange Programs and Girl’s Day.

1996 Special Achievement for Education

Sister Cities International presented this award for excellence in Education. Through the efforts of the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission and several innovative teachers at South Mountain High School, students at the inner-city school were able to explore the world around them through the Internet, participate in PSCC/Chengdu Committee events and host students from China. This project was funded from the proceeds of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates’ book, The Road Ahead.

1996 Best Overall Program

For the third time, Sister Cities International recognizes Phoenix and their affiliates for the continuance of an exceptional program that demonstrates, at all levels, continuing activity, citizen involvement, and imagination in a wide range of exchange projects.

1995 Special Achievement Award for Trade & Tourism Development

Sister Cities International recognizes U.S. cities that have developed unique exchange projects that contribute to the growth and expansion of a local sister cities program. PSCC, in cooperation with the Maricopa Community District Colleges, the Chengdu Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Office, and the Phoenix corporate community, received this award for the establishment of the Chengdu Training Program.

1995 Phoenix Education Partnership Honor Roll

he Phoenix Excellence in Education Commission placed PSCC on the Phoenix Education Partnership Honor Roll in recognition of the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program’s outstanding effort and involvement in education partnerships.

1994 Best Overall Program

This award represents Sister Cities International’s recognition of U.S. cities and their affiliates that have demonstrated, at all levels, continuing activity, citizen involvement, and imagination in a wide range of exchange projects.

1993 Special Achievement for Cultural Exchange

Sister Cities International presented this award in recognition of Phoenix’s contribution to international understanding through cultural exchanges with Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and the increase in value of its exchange activities resulting from Viva Hermosillo Days held in Phoenix in 1992.

1991 Special Achievement for Cultural Awareness

Phoenix received this Sister Cities International award for cultural awareness in recognition of coordinating the 100 member Taipei City Symphony’s U.S. debut and participation in Chinese Week 1990.

1989 Best Single Project

Sister Cities International recognizes U.S. cities for the development and implementation of a significant project that shows imagination for the furtherance of the local program and the community. Phoenix was presented this award for Japan Week 1989.

Establish a Sister City

City of Phoenix Sister Cities Logo

The following documents provide an overview of the steps required for consideration of establishing a Sister City affiliation:

Affiliation Process in Brief
Affiliation Criteria
Discussion Points
Sample Founder’s Committee Letter
Sample Fundraising Letter
Sample Agreement

For information, please contact the Phoenix Sister Cities Office at 602-534-3751 or at info@phoenixsistercities.org.