San Antonio Sister Cities & Friends

The goal of the Sister Cities program is to involve people and organized groups at all levels of society, establishing productive, people-to-people relationships through global community partnerships and volunteer action.

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Let’s talk about San Antonio’s Sister and Friendship Cities!

This segment provides an overview of San Antonio’s 11 Sister and 3 Friendship Cities, and the educational, diplomacy, protocol, and economic development work done by the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office. 

2:00 – 3:05 PM: Cultural Exchange: “We Shall Overcome” Sister Cities Jazz Ensemble by Musical Bridges Around the World

Local San Antonio nonprofit, Musical Bridges Around the World, invited musicians from San Antonio’s international partner cities to form the Sister Cities Jazz Ensemble. Tune in to listen to an original composition by Aaron Prado of “We Shall Overcome.”

3:05 – 3:52 PM:

Economic Development and Youth Engagement:  Two Diverse and Important Ways to Leverage Sister Cities Relationships

Sister Cities International highlights different ways to engage with international partners during this National League of Cities segment. Mayor Ron Nirenberg discusses San Antonio’s international economic strengths and Ft. Worth showcases their innovative youth programming.

3:52 – 4:30 PM:

Youth Engagement:  Students of Service (SOS)

Local nonprofit, Students of Service (SOS), develops young leaders who have a global perspective to solve local problems. Join SOS students as they share their experiences via curated videos that highlight the nearly 7 years of steady youth exchange with our Sister Cities.

4:30 – 5:40 PM

Transatlantic Dialogue:  A Conversation between Sister City Mayors: Darmstadt and San Antonio

The US Council on Germany provides a platform through “Wunderbar Together,” a German government initiative, for San Antonio Mayor, Ron Nirenberg, and Darmstadt Lord Mayor, Jochen Partsch, to discuss citizen engagement, climate change, and challenges of the pandemic, among other topics.

5:40 – 6:15 PM

Arts, Culture, and Heritage:  Local Partnerships and Global Exchange

Cultural and artistic exchanges are a vital part of developing international relationships and learning about the culture and heritage of people and places around the world.  Join us as we explore exciting initiatives from the San Antonio River Authority, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the City’s Department of Arts and Culture and World Heritage Office.

6:15 – 6:30 PM

Closing Remarks and “We Shall Overcome” Musical Highlight track by Musical Bridges Around the World