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What is the International Partners for Peace initiative in Iraq?
The "International Partners for Peace" initiative in Iraq is a new public-private partnership designed to strengthen relationships between U.S. and Iraqi communities. The goal of the project will be to foster increased communication, cooperation and understanding, and initial efforts will focus on humanitarian aid programs. It is being organized through Sister Cities International with support funding from the federal government.
How do partnerships like these develop?
- First Step: INTEREST - Initial expression of interest in forming a partnership to Sister Cities International.
- Second Step: DISCUSS - Community discussion about the project. Sign contract with Sister Cities International.
- Third Step: FOCUS TOGETHER - Decide program focus and direction by communicating with partnering community. Determine what aid is needed (prioritize) and can be delivered.
- Fourth Step: IMPLEMENT - Structure a project and implement it.
- Future Steps: EVALUATE - Evaluate project, discuss interest in continuing relationship and/or other areas for cooperation. Future areas of cooperation may include healthcare, business and economic development, education or information technology.
What will the focus of the partnerships be? What kind of projects will occur?
The initial focus of the partnerships will be on humanitarian assistance, but they may expand to other activities, such as healthcare, education, information technology or business and economic development.
How can my community get involved?
Communities seeking more information about involvement in the project can contact Danielle Segall, Sustainable Development Program Manager at 202.347.8630 ext. 8638 or dsegall@sister-cities.org. The community's chief elected official can write a letter of interest and send it to: Sister Cities International, ATTN: Partners for Peace - Iraq, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 850, Washington, DC 20004.
Why don't we call "International Partners for Peace" sister city arrangements?
"International partners" is a different type of affiliation that differs from a traditional sister city arrangement. The "International Partners" program is an alternative to the traditional, long-term sister cities partnership. This type of affiliation allows sister city partners to undertake shorter-term (six months to two years) projects with an international partner to address issues like economic development, humanitarian aid, or municipal cooperation. During the project period, the two communities will be known as "International Partners for (substantive area)." These partnerships provide an opportunity for both sides to assess their compatibility and hopefully build the foundation for an official, long-term sister cities partnership. A sister city relationship is a broad-based, officially approved, long-term partnership between two communities in different nations.
Will these Iraqi cities eventually become formalized sister cities?
It is possible that these Iraqi cities will eventually become formalized sister cities. That is up to the local community partners to decide. The local communities have to decide if they want to continue the relationship.
How much money will each partnership receive?
Each partnership will receive initially a $20,000 seed grant. The funds will be administered by Sister Cities International.
Is Sister Cities International receiving any funds for this project?
Yes. Sister Cities International is receiving a limited amount of funds ($20,000) to cover administrative and management costs for the project. The funds will be used to provide for a half-time program manager.
How will Sister Cities International identify more U.S. cities for this project?
We will distribute articles in our e-newsletter to our members and we are posting information on our website at www.sister-cities.org. We do not anticipate having a problem identifying more partners. Several communities have contacted Sister Cities International within the past year expressing an interest in exploring partnering and humanitarian aid projects in Iraq.
What is Sister Cities International?
Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network representing over 2,500 communities in 134 countries. Founded in 1956 after a White House summit where U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for people-to-people exchanges, sister city partnerships are tailored to local interests and increase global cooperation at the grassroots level. Sister Cities International promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation by focusing on sustainable development, youth and education, arts and culture, humanitarian assistance and economic growth programs.