Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC — Sister Cities International's Global Envoy Nancy M. Huppert will deliver the keynote address at the February 15-17, 2010 Africa investor's (Ai) Pan-African Tourism Investment Summit and Awards in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her speech will focus on the impact city twinning could have on Africa's economic development.

"We are pleased to have Global Envoy Nancy Huppert represent Sister Cities International at this gathering of African business and community leaders," said Patrick Madden, President and CEO, Sister Cities International. "Nancy brings a great level of experience and deft savvy to connecting the public and private sectors through the twinning model to achieve tangible goals."

Twinning represents the intersection of public and private partnerships that draw businesses and citizens together to advance community goals. Sister cities are a great model for African businesses to create partnerships, tourism, and economic opportunities. Currently, Sister Cities International has developed 124 partnerships in 32 countries in Africa.

About Nancy Huppert
Nancy M. Huppert has been the Global Envoy for Sister Cities International for nine years. In this position, she represents SCI at international conferences, meetings and embassies to disseminate information and support new global relationships. Prior to holding this position, Huppert served in local and state sister city positions for more than 14 years. In addition to Sister Cities International, Huppert serves on many boards of directors and advisory boards. She has lectured locally, nationally and internationally on both innovative education programs and sister cities activities. She has also participated in panel presentations and discussions at the United Nations for UN Habitat. She is the recipient of numerous awards, the most recent being the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the United Nations in May, 2009.

About Sister Cities International
Representing more than 2,000 communities in 136 countries, Sister Cities International is a citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between the U.S. and communities abroad. Sister Cities International member communities focus their people-to-people exchanges on programs in sustainable development, youth and education, arts and culture, humanitarian assistance and economic growth.

About Africa investor
Africa investor (Ai) is a specialist investment communications firm advising governments, international organizations and businesses on communication strategies for capital market and foreign direct investments in Africa. Ai publishes Africa Investor, the leading international newsstand magazine for Africa's investment decision-makers; maintains the Africa investor 40 Investors' Index; hosts the Ai Index Series Summit and Awards and the Africa Investor Infrastructure Projects Summit and Awards. www.africa-investor.com

MEDIA CONTACT: Frances Reimers, 202.347.8630 x8251 or freimers@sister-cities.org

Sister Cities International promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation-one individual, one community at a time. More information about Sister Cities International can be found at www.sister-cities.org. Facebook: Sister Cities International. Twitter: SisterCityIntl.