WASHINGTON, DC (January 24, 2018) – Sister Cities International congratulates one of its members, Aurora Sister Cities International (ASCI), on receiving an honorable mention for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Public Affair’s annual Citizen Diplomacy award. Irina Karmanova, Public Affairs Officer of the Office of Public Engagement, will present a certificate to ASCI during the Sister Cities International 2018 Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado from August 2 – 4, 2018. The Citizen Diplomacy Award was created in recognition of American citizens and organizations engaged in international work that furthers U.S. foreign policy objectives and strengthens important relationships around the globe.
ASCI has helped to foster nearly 40 years of international diplomacy of citizen diplomacy, with four sister cities and one friendship city on four continents. ASCI has collaborated with its respective sister cities on initiatives business and trade, youth education, humanitarian assistance, and cultural celebration that has provided Aurora residents with beneficial connections to their sister city communities as well as supported local ethnic populations. Aurora Sister Cities International serves as an effective ambassador for U.S. values on a global stage and as a bridge to U.S. innovation, investment, support, and resources for its sister cities.
The 2018 Annual Conference’s theme is Cities Leading the Way which will showcase how, in an era of unrest, cities across the globe are leading efforts to create smarter, healthier, more inclusive, and more innovative communities through three full days of seminars, workshops, events, and networking. This event will be open to the press. For media credentials, please contact Christina Burchette.