2025 Sister Cities
International
Annual Awards

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2025

About the Annual Awards Program

The Annual Awards Program showcases the achievements of sister city programs, offering international recognition for their contributions to the citizen diplomacy movement. Established in 1962, Sister Cities International created the program to honor outstanding sister city initiatives. Current dues-paying members with at least one officially recognized sister city partnership are eligible to apply. The awards celebrate accomplishments from the previous year (2024).

The SCI Annual Awards feature multiple categories, including Best Overall, Innovation in Arts & Culture, Innovation in Business, Trade, and Professional Exchange, Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance, and Innovation in Youth and Education. Awards are presented based on population size, with winners recognized in the following brackets: under 25,000; 25,001–100,000; 100,001–300,000; and over 300,001. Additionally, awards are given for the “Tim Quigley” Volunteer of the Year and the Youth Leadership Award.

Recognition and Ceremony

Recipients of the 2024 Sister Cities International Annual Awards will be honored at the SCI Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner, held during the SCI Summer Leadership Meetings in Fort Worth, TX, in July 2025.

Winning programs and individuals will also be recognized through:

  • Sister Cities International’s website
  • Social media platforms
  • National and regional media outreach

Award Categories

Best Overall

Recognizes sister city programs demonstrating outstanding achievement across all areas of citizen diplomacy. Programs exemplify excellence in fostering international relationships, cultural exchange, economic development, and community engagement.

Innovation in Arts & Culture

Honors significant contributions to cultural exchange through visual and performing arts, literature, music, and other cultural expressions. Programs demonstrate originality, inclusivity, and lasting community impact.

Innovation in Business, Trade, and Professional Exchange

Recognizes programs fostering economic development, business partnerships, trade opportunities, and professional collaboration. Initiatives display creativity, sustainability, and measurable economic and professional growth.

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

Celebrates programs addressing humanitarian needs, including disaster relief, healthcare, and social services. Winning initiatives demonstrate compassion, innovation, and measurable global impact.

Innovation in Youth and Education

Acknowledges programs that promote cross-cultural learning, leadership development, and youth engagement. Winning initiatives foster global understanding and prepare youth to lead in international affairs.

“Tim Quigley” Volunteer of the Year Award

Honors exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to sister city programs. Named after Tim Quigley, the award celebrates individuals strengthening international relationships, cultural understanding, and community engagement.

Youth Leadership Award

Recognizes outstanding leadership and initiative by a young individual within their sister city program. This award celebrates youth who foster global connections and inspire their peers to engage in international cooperation.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Current dues-paying members of Sister Cities International with at least one formally recognized sister city partnership are eligible to apply.
  • The awards will honor the accomplishments of sister city programs achieved in 2024. Applications and supporting documents should focus on activities organized only in 2024.
  • If you plan to apply for multiple awards, please be aware that a separate application must be submitted for each award category.
  • Sister city programs that received an award for 2024 are not eligible to win the same award for 2025.

2024 Winners