Award Recognizes Exceptional Humanitarian Projects in Axum, Ethiopia, and Cuernavaca, Mexico
Washington, D.C – Denver Sister Cities International is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Sister Cities International Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance for a Population greater than 300,001 award. This esteemed recognition honors Denver Sister Cities’ Axum and Cuernavaca Committees outstanding work in advancing the mission and goals of Sister Cities International through people-to-people diplomacy.
The award was officially announced during the 2024 Sister Cities International (SCI) Summer Leadership Meetings and Annual Business Meeting in Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Annual Awards Reception. Denver Sister Cities formally received the award at the special awards ceremony.
Denver Sister Cities’ efforts in fostering peace, mutual respect, and cooperation have been exemplified through innovative humanitarian projects in both Axum, Ethiopia, and Cuernavaca, Mexico.
The Axum Committee raised over $23,500 to support the Kidiste Mariam General Hospital with essential medical equipment and supplies. The committee’s efforts also include the recent E-Learning campaign to provide laptops for the local library, ensuring continued educational opportunities for the community.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Denver/Axum partnership, we are honored to receive this award that recognizes the efforts of so many individuals in Denver and the friendship, generosity, and hospitality shared by both communities with each other,” said Janet Lee, Co-Chair, Denver Sister Cities International Axum Committee.
The Cuernavaca Committee led a groundbreaking ophthalmological campaign in Cuernavaca, providing free eye care services, including more than 1,000 pairs of eyeglasses, readers, and sunglasses. This campaign has had a significant impact on the local community by improving vision and enhancing the quality of life for many individuals.
“It’s an honor to be acknowledged for providing assistance to the people in our sister city of Cuernavaca. The recognition motivates us to continue working together to improve the lives of our communities!” said Susy Osorio Kinsky, Chair, Denver Sister Cities International Cuernavaca Committee.
Ricki R. Garrett, President and CEO of Sister Cities International, and Peter Svarzbein, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commend Denver Sister Cities for its remarkable achievements that embody the spirit of citizen diplomacy and international cooperation.
“Denver Sister Cities International is becoming a model for the country with our programs and we are proud to be recognized as a leading organization in the important work of Citizen Diplomacy,” said Sacha Francois Heppell, Executive Director, Denver Sister Cities International.
For more information about Denver Sister Cities and its programs, please visit denversistercities.org.
About Denver Sister Cities International:
Denver Sister Cities International is dedicated to promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation by fostering relationships between Denver and its ten sister cities around the world. Through educational, cultural, humanitarian, and economic endeavors, Denver Sister Cities aims to create a more interconnected and peaceful world.
About Sister Cities International:
Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. SCI’s mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, one individual, one community at a time.
