Sister Cities Program

What is it?

Sister Cities International (SCI) is a national initiative begun by Dwight D. Eisenhower shortly after World War II, to develop economic, cultural and technical exchanges between US cities, counties, and states with corresponding communities worldwide. 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.

Today, the SCI represents 1,200 US cities, counties and states and their 2,100 partners in 125 countries worldwide. As international cooperation gains importance, city-to-city programs continue to play a significant role in overall global development and cultural understanding.

A World of Opportunities

The City of San Antonio enjoys productive Sister City relationships with eight cities worldwide. Sister Cities bring exciting exchanges with different foreign communities.

These exchanges include:

  • Arts, Education, and Cultural Exchange
  • Economic and Business Development
  • Sports and Youth Leadership
  • Health and Research
  • Municipal Training and Community Problem-Solving
  • Technology Exchange and Training


How have the city and its citizens benefited from our Sister City Relationships?

Our model has brought a cultural enrichment to our diverse community while paving the way for significant economic development. Exchange sponsorships have been a community-wide effort in area schools, ethnic organizations, corporations and citizen groups.   Many of these relationships have initiated by these local organizations and have sponsored programs along with their counterparts in the corresponding Sister City.

San Antonio Sister Cities

San Antonio Alliances