WASHINGTON, D.C. – Little Rock and Changchun have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Community Involvement” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Little Rock and Changchun are celebrating the 20^th anniversary of their sister city partnership in 2014. Over the years, the two cities have conducted a range of citizen exchanges and programs in the fields of economy and trade, culture, education, and sports. Sister Cities International President and CEO, Mary D. Kane says, “Little Rock and Changchun’s partnership showcases how sub-national partnerships have brought the two countries closer.”

 “The City of Little Rock is so honored to have developed such a well-established Sister City relationship with our friends in Changchun, China,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola. “This award is a testament to our two communities. While we may come from different cultures, we are united through a shared commitment of service and a love for both our cities and our citizens.”

The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development & Trade, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C.

The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, will bring together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference includes General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions will provide exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders.

Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan serving as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats of citizen diplomats from 500 U.S. communities with partnerships in nearly 2,000 cities in 140 countries around the globe.

Sister Cities International advances peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development exchanges. It serves as a hub for institutional knowledge and best practices in the field of citizen diplomacy.

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