The St. Louis Sister Cities Program is part of the Center's international mission. This program is sanctioned by Sister Cities International (www.sister-cities.org). Locally, SLCIR supports and coordinates the 14 sister cities programs and provides guidance for those interested in establishing new sister cities relations. 

The Sister City program is a nonprofit city-to-city network inspired by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's suggestion in 1956 that citizen diplomacy might reduce the chance of future world conflict. Today, more than 900 U.S. cities are paired with 1,300 cities in 92 different countries.

The Sister City Program provides an opportunity for local citizens to expand their cultural, educational, civic and economic horizons. Benefits of participation include:

• International business contacts
• Increased awareness of other cultures
• Opportunities to become host families for visitors and students from abroad
• Volunteer and community service
• Development of mutually beneficial relations in economic development, education, the arts, culture, medicine, government, and sports
• Showcases St. Louis as an international city