History

Sister city, county and state affiliations between the United States and other nations began shortly after World War II and developed into a national initiative when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the "People-to-People" program at a White House conference in 1956. Originally a part of the National League of Cities, Sister Cities International (SCI) became a separate, nonprofit corporation in 1967 due to tremendous growth and popularity.

President Eisenhower's intention was to involve individuals and organized groups at all levels of society in citizen diplomacy, with the hope that personal relationships, fostered through sister city, county and state affiliations, would lessen the chance of future world conflicts.

Purpose

Fort Wayne Sister Cities Internationl Incorporated is working to promote international understanding between the residents of Fort Wayne and the citizens of our Sister Cities: Takaoka, Japan; Gera, Germany; and Plock, Poland. These exchanges provide valuable resources to schools, businesses and local government.

The Sister Cities committee serves as a vehicle for representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and departments of economic development from all the Sister Cities to participate in exchanges and dialogue for future collaboration.

To foster cultural exchanges for young people, Fort Wayne Sister Cities International is continually developing its student exchange programs, building upon the importance of maintaining the link between education and global awareness.