Sister Cities International & Africa (A 3-month Snapshot)

This spring Sister Cities International selected its Phase II cities for the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program (AUPAP), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Read our formal announcement and the cities involved. This stretches the program to 26 locations in 13
countries around the continent. Phase I cities are well underway with projects finalized and the work on the water, health, and sanitation projects will begin soon. There are some terrific projects in development for the Phase I cities - take a look. This project continues to spin a ‘wow factor’ for us as we present about the program and talk about the impact in the African communities.

In May, a delegation of about 30 from Sister Cities International, lead by Board Chairman Mike Hyatt, participated in the Africa Global Sister Cities Foundation Conference in Accra, Ghana. Drawing participants from our AUPAP program, we added a richness to the dialogue with participants from Kenya, Swaziland, Liberia, and Ethiopia to share their progress on their urban poverty projects. The focus of the event was the intersection of influence between traditional rulers and local elected officials. I found the conversation very thought-provoking, educational, and inspiring. More than 70 traditional rulers (Kings, Chiefs, Queen
Mothers) were on hand.

We were fortunate to enjoy and audience with the President of Ghana John Atta Mills at the Presidential Castle. He expressed his appreciation for our participation and engagement in Ghana and stressed the importance of collaboration beyond borders.