LA DIASPORA DIGITAL MAGAZINE

LA DIASPORA MAGAZINE

Twin Cities/Hermanamiento de Ciudades

Twin Cities (Ciudades Hermanas) or twin towns is a concept by which towns or cities from different geographical and political areas are paired to promote human contact and cultural links. The Sister cities are mediated and achieved by the mayors and in protocolaries terms.

The idea of city twinning arose in Europe shortly after the Second World War, with the aim of providing the European population with greater ties of union and promoting projects for mutual benefit. The idea of International Sister Cities was created in 1956 by the president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, at the White House conference on citizen diplomacy.

Today it has spread across all continents. Twin Town has created relationships based on culture, educational information and business exchanges, the creation of lifelong friendships that provide prosperity and peace through "citizen diplomacy". When two cities decide to strengthen their ties, their interests should aim to exchange knowledge and experiences around urban management areas. As the concept of Sister Cities has evolved and has had a greater reception, two legal figures have arisen that respond to the same philosophy: twinning agreements and cooperation agreements.

There are many cities that, for various reasons, decide to form a Twin City with other towns and maintain close ties of solidarity. Currently there are many institutions whose main objective is to promote the Sister Cities, seeking in this way a reduction of the risks of war and especially the realization of cultural links. Twin Cities could be the axis of peace and prosperity by creating links between people from different cities around the world. By becoming friends, people from different cultures can celebrate and appreciate their differences, instead of excluding or generating tensions.

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