History of Sister Cities International
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated the people-to-people program which is now known as “Sister Cities International” (SCI).  Since then, 1,100 U.S. cities have become part of Sister Cities International, with ties to 1900 cities in 120 nations.

                               The mission of SCI is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and
                               cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.  SCI is a nonprofit citizen
                               diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and
                               international communities.  The organization strives to build global cooperation at the
                               municipal level, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development.

                               SCI is a leader for local community development and volunteer action that motivates and
                               empowers private citizens, municipal officials and business leaders to conduct long-term
                               sister city programs.

In September 1986, the Wilmington City Council established a Sister City Commission as a local partner to SCI.  In 2004, the Sister Cities Association was formed as a private, non-profit membership based organization that provides community involvement in sister city relationships.  Today, Sister Cities International, Wilmington Sister City Commission, and Sister Cities Association of Wilmington are a three way partnership sharing the same mission.



Learn more about Wilmington, NC by visiting:
The City of Wilmington
Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

through respect, understanding and cooperation...one individual, one community at a time.
Promoting peace

Our Organization
The Sister Cities Association of Wilmington, Inc. is a private, 
non-profit, membership based organization that provides 
community involvement in the City of Wilmington’s sister city 
relationships.  The Association works closely with the City of 
Wilmington Sister City Commission in its efforts to develop 
international educational, arts, cultural, and economic 
exchanges.  Membership in SCAW is open to anyone 
interested in promoting global cooperation at the local level.

The Association’s programs are financed through memberships,
grants, donations and fundraising efforts of the members.  The 
Sister Cities Association of Wilmington  Inc. is organized 
exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the 
meaning of Section 501(C)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.



Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo (seated, left) and San Pedro, Belize Mayor Elsa Paz (right) sign the official agreement establishing a sister city relationship between the two cities in June 2007.
What We Do
The Association creates and strengthens sister city partnerships in an effort to increase global cooperation and promotes opportunities for international partnerships for citizens, businesses, schools, and organizations in Wilmington. Activities include: cultural events, youth programs and exchanges, teacher sponsorships and exchanges, hosting international visitors, economic development and more.
SCAW
P.O. Box 1865
Wilmington, NC 28402
[email protected]
Sister Cities Association of Wilmington
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