San Diego’s strategic geographic location has been key to making our economy prosper. Connectivity has been critical to our region’s global competitiveness, attracting a total of $15.6 billion of foreign investment in five years due to its top life sciences market, tech scene, presence of distinguished universities and quality of life. To increase our region’s global engagements with international cities, San Diego has established sixteen Sister Cities Societies in which cultural, educational, business, and technical exchanges take place. San Diego’s first Sister City Agreement was signed in 1957 with Yokohomo, Japan and have enjoyed fruitful ties since their affiliation. This has tremendously enriched the cultural life of residents in both cities through numerous exchanges of arts, culture, commerce and education over the decades. As a first step in building a long- term relationship, San Diego International Sister Cities Association has designated Amboseli, Kenya as a “Friendship City” to develop a multilateral cooperation. The Friendship Cities program is a way for the Sister Cities to initiate a ceremonial relationship with foreign municipalities to foster increased cooperation and communication such as the exchange of correspondence between Elected Officials and business leaders regarding areas of mutual interest. Join us on March 9 for a conversation on fostering international ties throughout the San Diego Sister Cities Association by supporting cultural, educational, and economic relationships. Speakers will also share an overview of San Diego’s Sister City relationships with Yokohama, Friendship Cities program with Amboseli, Kenya, and the stories of many other cities that have collaborated with the organization in planning and implementing cooperative activities and exchanges.