SCI: Annual Conference - Washington DC 2006

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT ON GLOBAL CIITZENSHIP PREPARES YOUTH TO BE LEADERS
Event Held During Sister Cities International 50th Anniversary Conference

Media Contact: Emily Carter, 202.347.8630 ext. 4877, ecarter@sister-cities.org
Source: Bethany Rehling, 202.347.8630 ext. 8252, brehling@sister-cities.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    May 17, 2006

Washington D.C. - To prepare today's youth for citizen diplomacy, Sister Cities International is hosting a youth summit from July 11th to July 16th in Washington D.C. Youth ages 16 to 20 from across the globe will convene in the nation's capital city to hone their skills as global citizens.

"Attendees will be given the skills to be citizen diplomats, as well as the tools and contacts they need to be effective when abroad," said Bethany Rehling, youth and education coordinator at Sister Cities International.

In the midst of Washington's inspiring surroundings, students will benefit from a highly interactive program meant to foster dialogue, develop leadership skills, and lend real-life experience. During sessions, students will participate in constructive group discussions on current issues, including sustainable development and strategic planning. To add to their experience, they will join adult delegates to meet with state representatives in an effort to advocate the need for of citizen diplomacy. In addition, they will have the opportunity to meet with local nonprofit organizations that focus on rising international trends and problems.

The students will also tour historic sites of Washington D.C. and join in the Embassy Row Cultural Celebrations on July 14th. They will also attend the opening reception of the 50th Anniversary Conference that will take place simultaneously.

Youth delegates will stay in The George Washington University's dorms and attend most sessions at the university's conference center. The Close-Up Foundation will provide facilitators and Harrison Middleton University is offering an opportunity to earn college credit through the summit. More than one hundred students are expected to attend, providing them an opportunity to meet with youth of diverse backgrounds.

Visit www.sister-cities.org to find out more about earning college credit through Harrison Middleton University, view the tentative schedule, and to get more details on the summit. Registration is available online until May 22nd.

For more information on the Youth Summit, contact Bethany Rehling: brehling@sister-cities.org or call 202.347.8630 ext. 8252.

Representing more than 2,500 communities in 134 countries, Sister Cities International (www.sister-cities.org) is a citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between the U.S. and communities abroad. Begun 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.

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