Annual Awards

The Annual Awards Program highlights sister city program achievements and brings international recognition to each community’s contributions to the citizen diplomacy movement. Sister Cities International established the Annual Awards Program in 1962 to recognize exceptional sister city programs. Current dues-paying members of Sister Cities International with at least one formally recognized sister city partnership are eligible to apply for awards. The awards will recognize achievements by sister city programs from the previous year.

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 Sister Cities International Annual Awards will be honored at the SCI Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner, held during the SCI Summer Leadership Meetings.

Winning programs and individuals will also be recognized through:

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

2027 Annual Awards

“Information Regarding 2027 Annual Awards Coming Soon”

Learn more about our Annual Awards!

Awards Given in The Following Categories

Organized by population

Best Overall

The Best Overall category of the Sister Cities International (SCI) Annual Awards recognizes sister city programs that demonstrate outstanding achievement across all areas of citizen diplomacy. This award honors programs that exemplify excellence in fostering international relationships, cultural exchange, economic development, and community engagement. Winning programs showcase innovative initiatives, successful partnerships, and measurable impacts that align with Sister Cities International’s mission of promoting peace and mutual understanding through people-to-people connections.

Innovation in Arts & Culture

The Innovation in Arts & Culture category of the Sister Cities International (SCI) Annual Awards honors sister city programs that have made significant contributions to cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. This award recognizes initiatives that creatively promote cross-cultural understanding through visual and performing arts, literature, music, and other cultural expressions. Winning programs demonstrate originality, inclusivity, and a lasting impact on their communities by fostering artistic partnerships and cultural appreciation.

Innovation in Business, Trade, and Professional Exchange

The Innovation in Business, Trade, and Professional Exchange category of the Sister Cities International (SCI) Annual Awards recognizes sister city programs that have successfully fostered economic development and professional collaboration between international communities. This award honors initiatives that promote business partnerships, trade opportunities, workforce development, and knowledge sharing across industries. Winning programs demonstrate creativity, sustainability, and a measurable impact on economic growth and professional advancement.

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

The Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance category of the Sister Cities International (SCI) Annual Awards honors sister city programs that have made significant contributions to addressing humanitarian needs and improving quality of life in their communities and abroad. This award recognizes initiatives that provide critical support in areas such as disaster relief, healthcare, social services, and community development. Winning programs demonstrate compassion, innovation, and measurable impact in fostering global solidarity and assistance.

Innovation in Youth and Education

The Innovation in Youth and Education category of the Sister Cities International (SCI) Annual Awards celebrates sister city programs that have made outstanding contributions to youth engagement and educational initiatives. This award recognizes programs that promote cross-cultural learning, leadership development, and educational exchange opportunities for students and young professionals. Winning programs demonstrate creativity, inclusivity, and a lasting impact by fostering global understanding and preparing youth to become active participants in international affairs.

“Tim Quigley” Volunteer of the Year Award

The “Tim Quigley” Volunteer of the Year Award is named in honor of Tim Quigley, an exemplary citizen diplomat who dedicated his life to fostering international understanding and collaboration. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to their sister city programs, continuing Tim Quigley’s legacy of commitment to citizen diplomacy. Recipients of this award have significantly advanced the mission of Sister Cities International by strengthening international relationships, promoting cultural understanding, and enhancing community engagement. This award celebrates the invaluable contributions of volunteers who, like Tim Quigley, are the backbone of successful sister city programs and make a lasting impact on their local and global communities.

Youth Leadership Award

The Youth Leadership Award honors a young individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and initiative within their sister city program. This award recognizes youth who have made significant contributions to advancing the mission of Sister Cities International through their commitment to cultural exchange, global engagement, and community service. The recipient exemplifies the spirit of citizen diplomacy by fostering meaningful connections between communities and inspiring their peers to become active global citizens. This award celebrates the next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of international cooperation and understanding.

Past Award Winners

2026 Annual Awards

Innovation in Arts and Culture

Less than 25,000

Rising Stars of Sedona and Canmore

25,001-100,000

Miami Beach

100,001-300,000

Carmel Sister Cities

Greater than 300,001 (TIE)

Long Beach–Mombasa Sister Cities Association (LBMSCA): Elder Honors

Greater than 300,000 (TIE)

The Stockton Sister Cities Association Film: The Marriage of Two Cities (Stockton, CA and Parma, Italy)

Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange

25,001-100,000

Hot Springs, Arkansas – Hanamaki, Japan Sister City Program

100,001-300,000

São José do Rio Preto-Gainesville Economic Development Program

Greater than 300,000

Austin Saltillo Sister Cities Association

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

Less than 25,000

Sebastopol World Friends: Sister City Dormitory Renovation Project

100,001-300,000

Tempe Sister Cities – Timbuktu, Mali: Timbuktu Donation in Memory & Honor of Aunt Sue Lofgren

Greater than 300,000

Friends of Albuquerque-Kharkiv Sister City

Innovation in Youth and Education

Less than 25,000

La Cañada Flintridge Sister Cities Association

25,001-100,000

Albergue Infantil Josefino and Jim Newton Scholarship: Palo Alto and Oaxaca

100,001-300,000

Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions

Greater than 300,000

Cincinnati-New Taipei City Digital Learning & SDG Pen Pal Partnership

Best Overall

Less than 25,000

Saluda Sister City

25,001-100,000

Highland Park, Illinois, Sister Cities Foundation

100,001-300,000

Dayton Sister City Committee

Greater than 300,000

Tulsa Global Alliance

"Tim Quigley" Volunteer of the Year Award

Kristie Bryant

Youth Leadership Award

Shandiin Harrison

Pat Fallin State Representative Distinguished Service Award

Barbara Shepard

Ruth Hashimoto Award

Larry Uebner

2025 Annual Awards

Innovation in Youth and Education

Greater than 300,001

Lexington Sister Cities

100,001-300,000

Tempe Sister Cities Youth Cultural Exchange

25,001-100,000

Corvallis Sister Cities Association – Gondar Council

Less than 25,000

Saluda Sister City

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

100,001-300,000

Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership

25,001-100,000

Issaquah, WA, Sister Cities Commission

Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange

Greater than 300,001

Fort Worth Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions

25,001-100,000

City of Santa Barbara Sister Cities

Innovation in Arts and Culture

Greater than 300,001

Musical Bridges Around the World & San Antonio Sister Cities

100,001-300,000

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities

Less than 25,000

Sister Cities of Jasper

Best Overall

Greater than 300,001

San Antonio Sister Cities Program

100,001-300,000

City of Carmel Sister Cities

25,001-100,000

Hot Springs Sister City Program

"Tim Quigley" Volunteer of the Year Award

Dr. Nobutada Iwahashi

State Representative Distinguished Service Award

Lisa Keyes

2024 Annual Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Stephen “Tim” Quigley

Innovation in Youth and Education

Greater than 300,001

Fort Worth Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Tacoma Sister Cities and Fawcett Elementary School

25,001-100,000

Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto and the City of Enschede

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

Greater than 300,001

Denver Sister Cities International

Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange

Greater than 300,001

San Antonio Sister Cities

100,001-300,000

Birmingham Sister Cities

25,001-100,000

Hot Springs Sister City Program

Less than 25,000

Aspen Sister Cities

San Antonio Sister Cities

Innovation in Arts and Culture

Greater than 300,001

Sister Cities of Nashville

Less than 25,000

La Cañada Flintridge Sister Cities Association

Best Overall

Greater than 300,001

Lexington Sister Cities

25,001-100,000

Highland Park Illinois Sister Cities Foundation

Less than 25,000

Hermosa Beach Sister City Association

2023 Annual Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Jeannet Kiessling [Palo Alto, California]

Innovation in Youth and Education

Greater than 300,001

Greater Columbus Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions, Inc.

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

Greater than 300,001

Houston Karachi Sister City Association – Tree Plantation Drive

100,001-300,000

Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions, Inc.

Less than 25,000

Sonoma Sister Cities Association – Sonoma/Kaniv, Ukraine Committee

Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange

Greater than 300,001

Fort Worth Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Djenane S. Gourgue, Lauderhill Sister City – Oakland Park, Florida

Innovation in Arts and Culture

Greater than 300,001

Denver Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Roanoke Valley Sister Cities
Roanoke, Virginia

25,001-100,000

Mayan Medina Bee Sanctuary [Asheville, North Carolina]

Best Overall

Over 300,001 Tie between

San Antonio Sister Cities Program, City of San Antonio

Fort Worth Sister Cities International

25,001-100,000

Prescott Sister City Association Caborca Committee

2022 Annual Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Brenda Frinks, Jacksonville Sister Cities

Innovation in Youth and Education

Greater than 300,001

Fort Worth Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh

25,001-100,000

De Pere Sister Cities International

Less than 25,000

Saluda Sister City

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

Greater than 300,001

International Relations Council of Riverside

100,001-300,000

Richmond-Windhoek Sister Cities International

Less than 25,000

Neighbors Abroad

Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange

Greater than 300,001

Greater Columbus Sister Cities International

100,001-300,000

Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International

Innovation in Arts and Culture

Greater than 300,001

Seattle Sister Cities Association

100,001-300,000

Cincinnati-Nancy Sister City Association

25,001-100,000

Longmont Sister Cities Association

Less than 25,000

Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association

Best Overall

Over 300,001

Phoenix Sister Cities

100,001-300,000

Lexington Sister Cities Commission

25,001-100,000

Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation

2020 Annual Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Mary Blankenship Pointer, Oklahoma City OK

Innovation in Youth and Education

Greater than 100,001

Indianapolis, IN

25,001-100,000

Santa Fe, NM

Less than 25,000

La Canada Flintridge, CA

Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance

Tacoma, WA

Innovation in Arts and Culture

Greater than 100,001

Greater Columbus Sister Cities, OH

25,001-100,000

Redlands, CA

Less than 25,000

Sister Cities of Jasper, IN

Best Overall

Over 300,001

Ft. Worth, TX

100,001-300,000

Tacoma, WA

50,001-100,000

South San Francisco, CA

Less than 50,000

Hot Springs, AR