what is a sister city

A sister city, county, or state relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties. The relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities. A city may have any number of sister cities, with community involvement ranging from a half dozen to hundreds of volunteers. Sister city organizations can include representatives from nonprofits, municipal governments, the private sector, and other civic organizations. Each sister city organization is independent and pursues the activities and thematic areas that are important to them and their community including municipal, business, trade, educational, and cultural exchanges and projects with their sister city. 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. Sister cities are paired to forge relationships which outlast military or political ties, focusing on having a stronger impact on a cultural, emotional level, encouraging peace, trust, and understanding.