SISTER CITIES
PHILADELPHIA’S
SISTER CITIES
At the core of each Sister Cities relationship lies a binding agreement, signed by the mayors of each city, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to partnership. Under this agreement, Sister Cities engage in the exchange of delegations comprising political and business leaders, cultural representatives, educators, technical experts, and students. World Affairs takes great pride in bridging connections between Philadelphia residents and these sister city delegations, fostering invaluable exchanges and global understanding.
ABRUZZO,
ITALY
Est. April 24, 1997
Did you know that many Philadelphians have ancestral roots in Abruzzo, a region just two hours from the heart of Rome? This Italian city boasts vibrant industries, including agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, commerce, and the thriving service sector.
AIX-EN-PROVENCE,
FRANCE
Est. March 12, 1999
Aix-en-Provence, a city renowned for its cultural vibrancy, is a place where history and modernity seamlessly blend. Its major industries encompass tourism, entertainment (opera and dance), the semiconductor and electronics industry, education and research, the computer software industry, olive oil, and chocolate.
DOUALA,
CAMEROON
Est. September 24, 1986
As the largest city in Cameroon, Douala stands proudly as the nation’s financial capital, and its bustling port is the epicenter of overseas trade. This vibrant city is a key player in the export of various products, including oil, cocoa, coffee, timber, metals, and fruits. Douala also houses breweries, textile factories, palm oil, soap, and food-processing plants.
FLORENCE,
ITALY
Est. October 1, 1964
As the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia, PA holds a unique position in history. Similarly, Florence, Italy, is renowned as the cradle of the Renaissance, where art, culture, and innovation thrived. Today, major industries in Florence encompass fashion, tourism, research, mechanical, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals
FRANKFURT,
GERMANY
Est. July 16, 2015
Frankfurt, the financial capital of Europe and the proud home of the European Central Bank, epitomizes economic prowess and innovation. Diverse sectors, including IT, biotech, logistics, and the creative industry, contribute to its dynamic landscape. This German city has held trade fairs since 1240 and currently hosts over 30 industry trade shows.
INCHEON,
SOUTH KOREA
Est. September 15, 1983
Incheon, the third most populous city in South Korea, has earned a distinguished reputation as the nation’s pioneering free economic zone since its designation in 2003. This strategic status has propelled Incheon into a prominent business hub, with major industries spanning iron, steel, light metals, plate-glass, textiles, chemicals, and lumber.
KOBE,
JAPAN
Est. October 17, 1986
Kobe, Japan’s fourth busiest port, thrives as a dynamic city with the headquarters of over 100 international corporations and numerous research institutes. It’s not just a hub for business, though—Kobe is renowned for originating the world-famous Kobe beef and is also home to one of Japan’s most iconic hot springs resorts.
NIZHNY NOVGOROD,
RUSSIA
Est. October 15, 1992
Nizhny Novgorod, the fifth-largest city in Russia, plays a pivotal role as an economic, transport, and cultural hub within the Volga-Vyatka region. Major industries in this thriving city encompass engineering, information technology, transportation—including the auto industry, shipbuilding, diesel engines, aircraft manufacturing, and machine tools.
TEL AVIV-YAFO,
ISRAEL
Est. October 27, 1966
Ranked as the fifth most visited city in the Middle East & Africa, Tel Aviv is an economic and innovation hub. It’s home to numerous international venture capital firms, leading scientific research institutes, high-tech companies, and hosts the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
TIANJIN,
CHINA
Est. December 6, 1979
Tianjin, with a diverse economic landscape, excels in major industries like electronics, IT, automotive, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Beyond industry, the city is celebrated for its woven handicraft products, terra-cotta figurines, hand-painted woodblock prints, and seafood cuisine.
TORUŃ,
POLAND
Est. May 27, 1976
SISTER CITIES PROGRAMMING
When delegations from our Sister Cities come to Philadelphia, World Affairs becomes the bridge connecting them with our local community. Whether you aim to welcome a student group from Germany to your school or organize a professional development workshop with your employees and their counterparts from Cameroon, World Affairs is your essential partner in fostering connections with our Sister Cities.
ENRICHING PHILADELPHIA
AND THE WORLD
Strengthening our economies, increasing understanding between nations, and providing important global education opportunities: Sister City relationships enrich Philadelphia and the world. Moreover, Sister City arrangements proudly showcase the United States, with a specific focus on Philadelphia, as a welcoming and vibrant destination for international visitors and cultural exchange.
- Strengthening our economies through business alliances
- Educating our citizens about the world and its diversity
- Expanding mutual understanding among nations
- Promoting peace through people-to-people diplomacy
SISTER CITIES PROGRAM SPONSOR
VISIT THE SISTER
CITIES PARK
Experience the cultural connections at Sister Cities Park, nestled at the intersection of 18th Street and the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Inspired by the Champs-Élysées and originally dedicated in 1976, the park’s design is a tribute to the relationship between Philadelphia and its sister cities. On the park’s fountain, ten spouts each represent one of Philadelphia’s sister cities.
A beautiful representation of cultural understanding, the park’s most recent renovation was undertaken by the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, with funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the State Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Be part of a global community of visitors who have enjoyed the park’s fountain, pond, cafes and Children’s Discovery Garden. Join the international experience at Sister Cities Park!
