Sister Cities International, SCI, is an international nonprofit organization with years of experience in bringing people and communities together through exchanges and public programs. By convening individuals, all interested citizens can take place in this type of unique public diplomacy setting. The exchanges and programs therefore contribute to create and strengthen relations between American and international communities. In addition to these events, SCI arranges an annual conference.
The mission of this year’s Conference legg inn lenke til konferanseprogrammet was to explore how municipalities and communities can work together in innovative ways. For instance was sports discussed as a platform to influence social, political and diplomatic relations. Another example was how military veterans can be an asset to creating international relations due to their experience and local contacts abroad. The Conference focused on other subjects as well, such as Mexico, youth leadership and Pan-Pacific relations.
The Conference attracted representatives from over twenty countries and many interesting speakers. Among the speakers were futurist David Houle legg inn lenke til Houle and President of the 100,000 Strong Foundation, Carola McGiffert, in addition to the Mayor of San Antonio, The honorable Julián Castro legg inn lenke til Castro. Additionally, The United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, in collaboration with The Urban Environmental Accords spoke at the Conference.
The Conference included a special Panel of Consuls General and Embassy officials, who gave remarks on the importance of sister city relationships for their respective countries’ ties with the United States. In his remarks, Consul General Mykletun gave an overview of the central elements in Norway-U.S. relations, and informed about the core activities of the Consulate General in Houston. Dr. Mykletun offered special attention to the 30-year long the Sister City relationship between Stavanger and Houston / Galveston, pointing to this as a very successful and dynamic collaboration, led by the respective Mayors. Over the years, close to 2000 high school students have benefitted from the annual exchanges between these Cities. Central reasons for the success, is the presence of active and creative Champions on both sides of the Atlantic, combined with long-term commitments, Consul General Mykletun emphasized.
Separate from the Panel discussion, Dr. Mykletun met with a select group of U.S. high school students to inform about Norway’s foreign policy, and how this is rooted in democratic values and cultural heritage.