As we step into the opportunities of the year ahead, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of 2024. Thanks to your support, we made remarkable strides in creating A New Era of Citizen Diplomacy, fostering international friendships, and enriching our community. In this email, you’ll discover what we accomplished and where we are headed. Check out the video below for a 10-minute inspiring recap of 2024!

Denver Sister Cities Year in Review Video

As a Winner of the Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance Award in 2024 and the Innovation in Arts & Culture Award in 2023 from Sister Cities International in Washington D.C. (for cities with a population of 300,001+) Denver leads the way in building meaningful international relationships, creating a foundation for a peaceful future—one sister city at a time.

2024 Year in Numbers

30 cultural events and festivals reached over 500,000 people together to experience the traditions of our 10 Sister Cities.

Some of the standout moments included

Additionally, we participated in many more events and festivals that celebrated the cultures of our Sister Cities. Outreach booths at community events extended our impact and broadened the awareness of our mission.

Strengthening Connections Through Travel

This year, 75 members joined outgoing delegations to explore and deepen relationships with 8 Sister Cities
We also welcomed 70 delegates from 5 Sister Cities, sharing the warmth of Denver’s hospitality with representatives from:

Empowering Youth Through Diplomacy

We impacted 79 Young Ambassadors this year with $30,000 in scholarships providing life-changing opportunities for cultural understanding and leadership development.

We are proud to have provided platforms for young leaders to connect with peers worldwide, nurture their global awareness, and inspire future citizen diplomats. From the Denver Young Ambassador Ice Cream Social, to the Booth at Denver's Future Fest, and the Descofar Kids' Matinee Breton. Volunteer Opportunities at Taste of India, Sister Cities Free Concert and other sister city events.

Looking Ahead in 2025

We’re excited to kick off this year with a fantastic lineup of events, programs, and opportunities to connect with our Sister Cities community. Here's a look at what’s ahead:

Be sure to join us for the Annual Meeting & Celebration on Thursday, January 30th. If you're a member, look out for your special invitation to join us for this event and invite your friends.

Look out for invitations to our annual Chinese New Year Celebration hosted by the Kunming Committee. Stay tuned for your invitation to this annual cultural celebration.

Celebrate Italy with us at this exciting new fundraiser, Ancient Rome Dinner hosted by the Potenza Committee. Join us for an unforgettable evening to "dine like the Romans"! Details to come!

Mark your calendar for our Third Friday Global Bazaars, every Third Friday from Feb-Nov. 2025 at Dazzle Denver, registration opens next week. Stay tuned for more details!

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Denver Travel Show on March 8th and 9th at the Colorado Convention Center. Come learn more about Denver Sister Cities and the travel opportunities we are offering this year. Discover delegations to Takayama, Japan, Potenza, Italy, Brest, France, Cuernavaca, Mexico, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and more.

Applications Now Open for Denver Young Ambassador Program. Every move you make can now connect you to the world:

Look out for announcements coming soon regarding a local competition for the Young Artists and Authors Showcase as part of the Denver Young Ambassador Program. Winners will be submitted to the Sister Cities International national competition in Washington D.C. for the potential to win a cash prize.

Calling All Denver Young Ambassador Alumni! Are you interested in sharing your experiences with Denver Public School high school students? Denver Sister Cities is hosting a DPS Xplore Event, where over 50 students will learn about careers in diplomacy and upcoming opportunities to join our Denver Young Ambassador Program. The event is on Thursday, January 16th from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Denver Sister Cities and World Trade Center Denver's Headquarters at Geotech Environmental. If you'd like to inspire the next generation of citizen diplomats, RSVP today by emailing events@denversistercities.org.

This year, we will be welcome Young Ambassador Delegations from 3 sister cities, Brest, France in April, Potenza, Italy in August and a basketball delegation from Nairobi, Kenya in August. There will be hosting opportunities so be sure to become a member to be the first to learn of opportunities to host.

We have 3 major anniversaries this year and opportunities for you to celebrate with us!

Mark your calendar for Taste of Japan, Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Denver and Takayama, Japan kicking off July 8th through July 13th. A community festival will be held at Sculpture Park honoring the sister city anniversary on July 12th. Stay tuned for updates on the artist exchanges taking place in conjunction with the celebration. More details and press release coming soon.

Save the date for celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Denver and Nairobi, Kenya as Sister Cities August 1st through August 6th including a community festival, the Pamoja Festival at Sculpture Park on Sunday, August 3rd. Pamoja is a Swahili word that means together. Stay tuned for updates on the artist exchanges taking place in conjunction with the celebration.

Celebrations for the 30th Anniversary Denver and Axum, Ethiopia as Sister Cities. Look out for exciting events throughout the year in celebration of this special sister city relationship. Dates to be announced soon. And of course, the Axum Committee continues its participation in the annual Ashenda Festival with Tigray Community Colorado will take place again this year. More details to come regarding a major fundraiser in support of Axum in conjunction with the anniversary events.

As we continue the journey in 2025, we are excited to build on this legacy of peace, friendship, and cultural understanding. We are looking forward to a great year ahead and growing our community of dedicated partners and members.

All the best,

Sacha Heppell

Executive Director Denver Sister Cities

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