Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2022) – The cities of San Diego and Tijuana were chosen by Sister Cities International to serve as the host cities for the 2022 U.S. – México Mayors’ Community Summit. This summit was the fifth in this series of binational summits and the third to highlight U.S. – México relations. The previous U.S. – México binational summits – the first being in 2018 and the second in 2020 – served as a prelude to this year’s summit.

From October 11 through the 13, government officials, citizen diplomats, business owners, and field experts convened for a binational summit to discuss international relations, governmental procedures, global ties, and more. Over 20 mayors, along with members of various city delegations from both the U.S. and México, attended and participated in a roundtable event highlighting community accomplishments as well as challenges. 

Sister Cities International wanted to provide proof of concept for education through celebration  and socialization. In doing so, this summit provided informative sessions and panels designed for attendees to socialize, network, and learn. These panels were designed to explore a wide range of topics; from binational peacebuilding to comparing both communities’ women-owned craft beer industries. Featured cultural experiences included the flash performance opera singers and the wine tastings from premiere Valle Bravo wineries. 

Sister Cities International’s President and CEO, Leroy Allala, said “This summit was an opportunity for both the United States and México to reflect and build upon our shared interests, cultures, and economic goals. All in all, this summit and its attendees came together to recognize the longstanding history and their monumental future.”

Make no mistake that this summit goes beyond just Tijuana and San Diego. With more than 160 formal partnerships between communities in the United States and México, Sister Cities International is proud to spotlight all U.S. – México relationships by providing a platform to individuals to discuss the economic, political, and socio-cultural components surrounding the future of both countries. We encourage all to join in our efforts to connect all communities through education, celebration, and citizen diplomacy.

About Sister Cities International – Founded as a Presidential Initiative by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for 465 U.S. communities with over 1,800 partnerships in more than 138 countries on six continents. The Sister City network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and understanding through programs and projects focusing on arts and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and community development.