Global Listening: It's all that it's cracked up to be

I spent the better part of this morning at a briefing on the Brookings Institution's latest report regarding public diplomacy - Voices of America: U.S. Public Diplomacy for the 21st Century. The author and a number of commentators at the briefing gave an overview of the findings and their agreeable opinions about what the report details. In short, the report calls for a new quasi-government (or NGO) to lead in public diplomacy efforts for the U.S. The new entity would work collaboratively with Dept. of State, Dept of Defense, and other government agencies, but be more flexible and innovative than the traditional bureaucratic government institution. The report itself is well written and draws a knowledgeable range of opinion, facts, and previously reported conclusion but points toward a specific way forward.

This report, and it's timing, will give inside-the-beltway-types plenty to chew on for the new few months as the Obama Administration sets up shop. What was striking to me was less about the report and whether I agree or disagree with the findings (which I was duly quizzed afterward by colleagues and associates), but rather a comment that was made a number of times by the panelists: "We need to listen more." The "we" meaning the U.S. It was noted that our public diplomacy instruments have focused on telling others around the world (or in some instances broadcasting) what we stand for and what they should do, rather than having a conversation, which involves both talking and listening. I agree, however, a fundamental piece of the puzzle is missing: what are we doing after we listen. It seems to me, this has been the bigger problem. We, (I'm using the royal "we" of course), need to listen, absorb, and then respond based on that new information and feedback. This is hard work. Much more complicated and nuanced and it means we need to be willing to bend, adjust, or even recalibrate our positions to reach a collaborative working state. I see this dance being performed by our volunteer leaders constantly in sister city partnerships. I've experienced this even in our own work on international projects with fellow NGOs who are already working on a common goal (whether it is a grant, project or event.) Public diplomacy and international relationships are a series of dynamic dialogues. We need to listen and then do something with what we've heard.

To twist that old saying about trees: If the diplomacy falls on deaf ears - did the diplomacy happen?

Sister Schools featured in International Education Week

By Guest Blogger: Erica Sewell, Youth & Education Program Manager for Sister Cities International

Every November the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Education team up to celebrate International Education Week. As manger of Sister Cities Youth Department this is a very exciting week for me because it speaks to the core of the department - promoting international education and exchanges. This week is about learning something new about other cultures without actually traveling to another country.

This year Sister Cities International was invited to speak at the kick off event for International Education Week on November 17 at the U.S. Department of Education. The topic of the event was school-to-school partnerships and we highlighted our Sister Schools program. This program is a perfect fit because it focuses on pairing schools in the United States with a school overseas to encourage collaborative projects between classes. The program allows schools to connect with a school in another country without international travel by getting youth engaged, interested in global issues, and by adding an international component to the curriculum. Not only were colleagues Jim Doumas and Jennelle Root able to present on Sister Cities and our Sister Schools program but so were several students. Students at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago and their Sister School at Ben M’Sik High School in Casablanca, Morocco were able to share their experiences about their exchanges via audio and video conferencing. Faculty and staff from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, DC and their partner school Lycee Jean Jaures in Montreuil, France also participated—again recognizing another form of a school partnership.

The highlight of the presentation was hearing from the students and listening to the things that they learned and what surprised them. A common theme was how wrong their prior conceptions were, how their host families made them feel right at home and how warmly they were welcomed when they arrived in Casablanca. The impact and life changing effect can best be summed up as a student from Morocco put it, “the 2008 Sister Cities youth conference were the best days of my life!”

A totally unexpected common theme was squirrels. Sometimes it is the little things that you take for granted, such as frequently seeing squirrels that remind you of the first time you traveled abroad, the life lessons you learned, and how you were amazed by something that was second nature to others. The first time I studied abroad I was in London and I can still remember how great I thought their telephone booths were. Yes, I still have the pictures of me standing next to one. I am sure the locals were wondering why I never went inside the booth but to me that was something new and exciting! Every time I travel I discover something new and that is what international education is all about. So what are you waiting for? Encourage your school to form a Sister Schools relationship. Life is truly a journey and not a destination.

Cincinnati Goes to China, Part III

Guest Blogger: Carla Walker, Sister Cities International Board Member and Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Cincinnati

Welcome to Liuzhou (Cincinnati’s Sister City)
We were welcomed at the airport by several city officials and staff of the Foreign Affiars Office and lots of alumni from our exchanges. They presented the Mayor with flowers.
Liuzhou and Cincinnati is recognizing its 20th year of friendship. During that time, there have been more than 50 exchanges and several awards by SCI including the Youth Exchange Award, the Technology Award and the SCI 50th Anniversary special Merit Award.

First stop was Longtan Park for a preview of the friendship garden Cincinnati and Liuzhou Parks Department have worked on for over a year. When we arrived, we could see Park staff busily adding finishing touches for Friday’s official ribbon cutting. The garden has two pavilions, one for each city and they are connected by a replica of Cincinnati’s Roebling Suspension bridge. Each pavilion includes artwork designed by Jan Brown Checco, a Cincinnati artist.

Cincinnati’s Pavilion
After the tour, a small delegation met with City officials. Mayor Mallory spoke for the Cincinnati representatives of the meeting which included the President Pro-Temp of Council, Park Board Director and Staff, Sister Cities representatives, alumni from Library , Medical, Educational and Arts exchanges as well as Park Board Foundation Board Members. We were greeted by the Local Secretary of the Party who stood in for the Mayor, the Liuzhou Vice Mayor, members of the Sister City organization and the leadership of the Foreign Affairs Office. The 30 minute official meeting was an opportunity to hear about industry, culture and anecdotes of Liuzhou. For instance, the person who lit the torch for the Olympics is from Liuzhou.

Cincinnati Goes to China, Part II

Guest Blogger: Carla Walker, Sister Cities International Board Member and Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Cincinnati

The Great Wall
The only thing on the agenda for Sunday was to see, feel, walk and take in the Great Wall. We visited two areas. One was called the Lakeside Great Wall Reserve and the second was the Mutianyu section, which means “valley to the sky.” I can only say that I was not prepared and don’t think I could have prepared myself for the experience.

We drove through villages and country side to reach both areas but only enough time to catch a glimpse of rural life. There were dirt roads in most places but the villages were teaming with people. We whizzed by a bride and groom with firecrackers popping. I’m told fireworks are always a part of the ceremony here – partying at receptions must be a universal concept.
The surprise of Lakeside was that it included a park and recreation area just underneath a portion of the Wall. It was a great teaser for Mutianyu. Visitors could access the wooden walkways along the mountain ridges below some of the Wall section. The passage is officially named “winding around mountain plank road” and there is one section that is suspended in the air by just a few beams. It wiggled beneath my feet. I’m not a big fan of heights – or wooden footbridges – but it was incredibly relaxing to be on the side of a mountain with a lake below you and some part of the Great Wall above you. The water is dammed but even the dam is part of the show because you can walk underneath the trickling falls.

When we walked back to the car, we celebrated with fireworks. We then drove through the countryside to the next stop.

Mutianyu
Mutianyu deserved its own entry. It is said to be the most beautiful and scenic portions of the Wall and was the transfer ceremony site for the 2008 Olympic Games. The structure stands out against a landscape of maple trees. In the background you can see rocky mountains. Unlike other sections of the Wall, Mutianyu was constructed on the outer side of the cliff (a defense strategy), is buttressed on both sides and includes trenches on the outer sides. In its beauty you can still see the design for battle and fortification.

We took a chair lift up to the Wall. You cans see so much of the structure from the chair. We walked and hiked from garrison to garrison and came upon what I think is the best enhancement of this ancient landmark – a makeshift bar. Yes, a place for refreshment and libation. Along Mutianyu, you will find locals who have set up shop with water, sodas, candy and Chinese beer. We bought a beer and climbed up the inside of one of the garrisons. When we reached the top, we opened our beers and toasted the occasion while taking in the view from the top. I can see how a person would want to visit there for hours. It was peaceful, not crowded with tourists and surprisingly accommodating.

Hard to top that feeling but we did add to it. There are a few options for getting down – ropeway, railway, chairlift….and toboggan. The adventurer in me headed for the toboggan. I just had to remember to push for speed and pull back to brake. And, no pictures. I got the hang of it pretty quick and discovered my speed demon side. I even discovered how much of a multi-tasker I am as I zoomed down the slope taking pictures.

Ad: European Town Seeks Sister for Twinning

The reports of the death of European town twinning (aka sister cities) have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, town twinning is thriving.

I was a guest at the launch of a new website last week: www.twinning.org, which is a terrific example of the work happening in Europe. The site is a verison of our "Cities Seeking Cities" database but flashier! For the American cities who see a quick opportunity, its focus is Europe-Europe or Europe-South not transatlantic (at the moment). I found it a terrific signal that the European Union supported Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in this effort. A special nod to Patrizio Fiorilli, their web-brain behind the endeavor, who made it very accessible, simple navigation, AND it's available in more than 20 languages. (I'd challenge someone to find another website with this type of language depth that can be instantly translated into so many languages. Email me if you find one.)

The website is hosted by the CEMR - the mothership for national organizations that oversee town twinning in each country. Did you know there are over 17,000 sister cities within Europe and Europe outward?

Check out their new website - it's a great addition to the sister city movement.

Cultural Diplomacy – Aspen Institute-style

The Aspen Institute took on an ambitious project this fall. (I’m sure this is how a number of their program descriptions could start…) The inaugural Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum was a concept that came to life this past weekend. The institute’s ambition (apologies to Walter Isaacson and his eloquent welcoming letter in the program for which I’m abbreviating) was to focus on cultural dynamics in times of conflict, to examine past and current practices, to debate policies affecting culture and to look at mobilization of resources in media, arts, culture, and technology. No small task in 2½ days. The format was varied by design to allow speakers and the audience to engage, concur, disagree, and contemplate.

I was pleased Sister Cities International was invited and able to present our story. In addition to participating in the forum, I was a speaker on a panel titled, “Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy.” It was moderated by Elliot Gerson Executive Vice President for Policy and Public programs and International Partnerships for the Aspen Institute. My coconspirator on the panel was Sharon Memis, director of the British Council USA. We had the dubious task being the last panel of the forum and right after lunch but with all of the ideas presented, it became a terrific moment to share the sister cities model.

Below you’ll find a snapshot of my comments to on the panel. (One caveat, it’s not a word for word transcript per se, but a firm mix of my prepared remarks, responses to questions, and what I actually remember saying.)

Gerson: We’ve heard from so many different organizations so far during this forum. Yours is yet another intersection for our participants to think about - tell us about Sister Cities International.

Madden: Thank you Elliot, I want to thank the Aspen Institute for including Sister Cities International in this forum and hosting this event. We’ve had a spirited discussion. My brief overview is really for those of you who don’t know about our road signs. Undoubtedly, as you drive throughout Europe or the United States, you’ll see these signs "Sister City of Columbus, Ohio" and so on. In Europe it's known as town twinning. But what do we really do? We are a cultural understanding organization, and in the broadest terms, we are about world peace and life-changing experiences. The first, admittedly, as been rather elusive for us especially the past few years but the latter comes second nature. We have 700 U.S. cities partnered with nearly 2,300 cities abroad in 135 countries. It’s a global network that grown from a simple idea that President Eisenhower had in 1956 – get the diplomats and bureaucrats out of the way and have ordinary citizens travel abroad to experience other cultures – walk the streets, visit the sites, eat the food – and have them come to the United States to experience American culture and they’ll find that we have more in common than we have different. The best ambassadors of our culture and society are our citizens.

We work in four areas: arts and culture, humanitarian assistance, sustainable and economic development and youth and education. The work by our city members are short- and long-term projects, exchanges and public programs – so like one of our speakers mentioned yesterday we are an organization with a role in both external cultural understanding and internal cultural awareness. So you’ll see all types of sister city projects from clean water programs and professional and technical exchanges to bringing a youth choir from South Africa and film or food festivals in the U.S.

I think the power of our network resides with two strengths: First, these are long-term relationships between the communities. We liken them to marriage. The people in the cities really get to know each other, build relationships, have a sense of the other community’s needs and strengths which allows the projects to take a much longer view. The work is two-way not just U.S. outward. Second, it’s the partnership model we use. We are the poster child for public-private partnership with citizens partnering with local government. To get our work done our local programs work with mayors, local government, business, academia, nonprofit and social organizations depending on the project or exchange.

Gerson: We don’t really think about the role of cities in diplomacy. It sounds like your organization sees a role for cities. Tell us more about this concept.

Madden: We’ve heard a great deal at the forum so far about institutional cultural diplomacy – very top-down thinking. Let me make a case for a more bottom-up. Since our beginning we’ve been using the word citizen diplomat to describe our work but more recently I’ve started to describe it as Community Diplomacy. We are a grassroots organization. Citizens are the engine that makes our work happen but the role of communities and cities is changing. What we see at Sister Cities International is a growing power and influence of cities and mayors. Half of the world’s population lives in cities – this is a relatively new phenomenon. Half of those cities are populations under 500,000 – so they aren’t just the megacities. The migration patterns aren’t changing – more people are going to be living in cities. This is an important trend. We are here talking about Culture in Conflict/Culture on the Move – culture and conflict manifest themselves at the local community level and mayors and local government have a tremendous influence on how that culture is treated. Look at war-torn or regions of conflict…it’s cities that provide survival for local citizen and with that, they are responsible for the local culture and traditions. In the U.S. we’ve seen a growing influence of mayors. When our country opted out of Kyoto, the mayors got together and developed a climate protection agreement. I think there are nearly 1,000 mayors in the U.S. who have signed on to it. We’ve seen this in local arts funding as well. At the national level it’s well documented that the U.S. does not have a support system like European countries for the arts, but mayors having been adding funding. They see the value of arts in their communities. If the federal government won’t act, the mayors said, we will. Equally important to note, is mayor are much more accountable to their constituents than national elected officials. So their response, often, is in direct response to citizen needs and interests.

Additionally, I think it’s important to draw youth into this conversation. We heard this morning about the aging of Spain and Japan’s populations but I believe the statistic is 75% of the population of the Middle East is under 30 years old and in a few years almost 60% of individuals living in slums are 18 or under. These are statistics that can’t be ignored if we want culture to flourish. How do we engage youth in this dialogue?

Gerson: We heard a lot of opinions here in the past few days [Laughing.] But is there something that hasn’t been said that you think we should think about in the mix of this event? What’s missing?

Madden: We aren’t going to bomb or invade our way into a new positive world opinion of America. We need all kinds of cultural diplomacy to accomplish this. But, what we haven’t heard is about the positive legacy of the George W. Bush administration. Many of you know that our strategic engagement with the world is known as the three Ds: Defense, Diplomacy, and Development. The last D is one that we don’t hear about or see in front page headlines. In the last 8 years the Bush Administration has doubled the overall funding of aid globally. It has quadrupled aid funding to Africa. This is tremendous. You’ve probably heard of the President’s Malaria Initiative and the AIDS program. The AIDS funding alone is staggering – the most money in world history ever committed to stop the spread of a single disease. Sadly, this is overshadowed by other foreign policy decisions, some of which has been raised earlier in the forum, but my hope for the Obama administration is they not only build on this, but consider reorganizing our Ds – I’d suggest to the transition team: Diplomacy, Development, and Defense.

With the exception of Q&A, this concluded my remarks. Following my comments, Sharon Memis offered an overview of the British Council’s programs and her wisdom to the forum participants. She shared some terrific insight about working strategically especially in partnerships, the value of evaluation, and the idea of working at arms-length from government. The panel was then opened up to Q&A and audience comments.

All in all, it was a tremendous first step to get the key actors in the room. Global voices were heard. Opinions were debated and discussed. A wide variety of approaches were presented and, I think, we saw the richness and the complexity of cultural diplomacy. We are at the beginning of the beginning.

Power of a Partner

A small team of sister cities staff spent most of November 7 at a Partnership Conference hosted by USAID. The 300+ participants (which included international NGOs, community organizations, faith-based organizations, and a variety of representatives from USAID offices) came from across the U.S. and the globe to discuss how nonprofits can partner with each other and with USAID. It was, in large part, an effort to demystify USAID and how to access the agency. It was a good mix of speakers and presentations. As part of the program I had the opportunity to present the Sister Cities story and offer a sneak peek at our Community Connector web portal.

Community Connector is a project of Sister Cities International, made possible with seed funding from USAID, to donors and recipients of aid and expertise. We are taking our twinning of cities model and applying it virtually - to connect those with need with those with resources. I should note that Community Connector (or C2 as we call it) is not about donations and fundraising, per se. This is about “stuff” – medical or office supplies, books, clothing, educational materials, etc. We hope donor individuals and organizations will be able to deliver the exact goods, services, or expertise to the community in need. We are starting with Africa, and specifically in South Africa as a pilot country.

On a panel later in the day, I joined representatives from the US Chamber of Commerce, Marriott International, U.S. Department of State to talk about public-private partnerships how it can work (the ideal…) and how it does work (they are hard work). It was a good moment to show how local programs partner with Rotary on exchanges and projects and how Sister Cities International partners with other national organizations on programs.

All in all, there was a positive response to Sister Cities International and C2 at our booth and in conversation, which bodes well for our new project. The curious minds in the room were thinking about how to start working with local sister city programs. It always impresses me how quickly people see a connection with their work and sister cities. I’m hopeful our efforts will draw interest from organizations and individuals who may become a new class of citizen diplomats for local programs.

Cincinnati Goes to China

Guest Blogger: Carla Walker, Sister Cities International Board Member and Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Cincinnati

On November 6, a delegation of forty travelers from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, embarked on "The Gardener's Emissary Trip to China." Organized by the Cincinnati Park Board and sponsored by Cincinnati Magazine, the trip highlight is the visit to Liuzhou, China -- one of seven Cincinnati, Ohio Sister Cities. Led by Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, the delegation is scheduled to participate in ceremonies opening the Friendship Park in Liuzhou (a joint project by the Park Departments of Cincinnati and Liuzhou) and celebrate 20 years of a Sister City relations.

First stop -- Beijing!
I thrive in a city atmosphere and was ready to take in everything while in Beijing. Unfortunately, my intake was limited due to extreme jet lag combined with absolute exhaustion from working 7 days a week for the last month.

We arrived Friday evening at Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 -- built for the 2008 Olympics. I was met by one of my best friends who lives here with her family. She had arranged a dinner party for me to meet some of her friends.

I'm not that swift in the kitchen so I watched as Annie, the cook, prepared an egg dish, chicken with cashews and the most amazing green beans I've ever tasted. I dined with neighbors from Tanzania, Germany, and even some Ohioans (Cincinnati and Toledo). I shared news about Cincinnati, our Sister City network and talked about the election. I learned how they met, where they had traveled and their suggestions of best places to eat. It was the perfect ending to my first evening.

That is until I learned my friend (who is a spa fanatic like myself) scheduled a late evening spa appointment for me at Bodhi Sense. A pedicure, back massage and ninety minutes later...then it was the perfect ending to my first evening.

Day 2 - Beijing
Today was really cold and grey -- or I thought it was grey. I couldn't tell if it was overcast or if what I was seeing was the infamous pollution that is a constant companion in the story of Beijing. What ever it was, it didn't stop us or anyone else.

There are more than 17 million residents here with more than 2 million cars. Under a new policy, cars are allowed on roads on different days depending on the last digit of their license.

After running errands, we explored a market. Stepping through the doorway, I was hit with shoes, socks, purses, belts, silk nightshirts, pashminas, hats, paintings, jewelry....anything you want, it's there. I'm a shopper. It's what I do. However, the hundreds of back-to-back mini-stalls with merchandise oozing from every corner was dizzying even to me. These markets are everywhere and if you can bargain, you can have a lot of fun.

We ate at Old Beijing -- one of the places discussed last night where there are only locals. Next to us were five older gentlemen and a woman. They spoke no English but we managed to communicate and toast each other a few times. They graciously showed me another way to hold my chopsticks.

Temple of Heaven was our next stop. The temple, completely made of wood, has had some major renovation and touch ups on a few occasions. What an active and vibrant place. There were groups and crowds gathered in different areas. Some sang the national anthem. Some offered their version of opera. Some played cards or hackeysac. Some were having tea and a snack. All I could do was walk around in absolute awe and soak up the energy of that ancient, ornate, brightly colored beautiful structure.

Coming Next: The Great Wall and Shanghai

Sister Cities at UN Habitat's World Urban Forum

Guest Blogger: Jim Doumas, Executive Vice President, Sister Cities International

I write today at the conclusion of the fourth session of the UN Habitat's World Urban Forum (WUF 4) in Nanjing, China. The theme of the forum was “Harmonious Urbanization” and how to integrate social, economic and environmental sustainable development into urban planning. If WUF 4 did nothing else, it certainly reinforced the fact that the world is at a tipping point particularly as it comes to the environment. Rapid urbanization is exacerbating a carbon gas crisis that threatens our very near future. The climate catastrophes that we have been reading about are no longer in the “future” but rather in our immediate future if we do not find a way to answer key issues associated with rapid urbanization. This coupled with the issues of poverty, homelessness and other negatives associated with rapid urbanization were the fodder assigned to the delegate discussions.

WUF 4 was attended by representatives from every country in the world which demonstrates the issue’s importance as a global crisis. Also, the eco-environment protection theme was accentuated in Nanjing as each day the air pollution of the city suffocated the delegates on our way to and from the forum. China has almost half its population (nearly 590 million people) living in urban communities and estimates suggest that this number will continue to increase by 10 million a year as we proceed deeper into the 21st century. Large population drifts from rural to urban areas are occurring everywhere on the planet and in many instances quality of life is not necessarily improving. In Uganda, Africa, for example, urbanization has not led to the end of poverty. Issues regarding homelessness and the lack of adequate land use are exacerbating the population surge.

Representing Sister Cities International, I had the opportunity to discuss our community in two seminar presentations. The first was a discussion on the importance of and how to engage private citizens in urban sustainable development with Duane Kissick from AECOM International, as well as an overview of the upcoming Global Mayors Forum in China next fall. The second presentation was a panel discussion regarding comprehensive planning on urban development with the International Centre for Sustainable Cities of Canada and the International Mayors Communication Centre of China.

How can Sister Cities International become more a part of the solution? In every session I attended as well as the two sessions that I presented in, there were many solutions discussed ranging from the need to implement broad sweeping social justice changes to existing laws, to technological and sustainable development programs that ensure adequate protection of our earth’s eco-system. Regardless of the idea discussed, in each case, the underlying theme for successful completion of a solution required the unilateral support of entire communities, governments, businesses, local nongovernmental organizations, and grassroots leaders.

Sister Cities International and its grassroots network are uniquely positioned to bring all of these players to the table. Our community has also proven, through the existence of successful sustainable development projects, a proven track record. Our conduit for peace, mutual respect, and understanding is an important piece of the puzzle as a change generator for urban sustainable development.

At a world forum focused on quality of life issues and our planet’s survival over the next decade, it was a pleasure to introduce and highlight our community to attendees as a viable source to facilitate many of the ideas that were brought to the table.

Reflecting on the Future

Today's a big day for the future. Irrespective of what side of the political aisle you sit on, the future of America's foreign policy and impact across the globe will be decided. This may seem like an overstatement, but quite frankly it's not. This business of "America's role in the world" is serious. In recent days, I've read punditry about how during the Clintonian 90s the world was bothered by America's hubris - yet, they (aka "the rest of the world") really have a problem with the past 8 years of America's engagement with the world. In another breath I'm reading about the impact of U.S.'s dramatic increase in funding for international development under this administration. In Africa alone it's quadrupled, which has some parts of the continent buzzing. Hypocritical? Yea probably, but it does demonstrate the value America - and Americans - bring to the world.

War, peace, aid, terrorism, diplomacy, global partnerships: the to-do list abroad is long for the next President. Every Presidential election is important. But, with so many massive issues to grapple with, this one feels like the country is looking at the future just a bit more closely.