Our History

 

President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded Sister Cities International (SCI) in 1956. He believed that twinning cities and connecting people at the community level would forge stronger international relations between nations and build trust for a more peaceful world.

The mission of SCI is to give support to member cities and allow local programs to benefit through grants, community projects, humanitarian aid, and exchange programs that promote international understanding and partnerships between U.S. and international cities.

There are currently over 2,500 cities in 126 countries that are part of the Sister City Network. San Diego, as a member of SCI, signed its first Sister City Agreement in 1957 with Yokohama, Japan. Then in 1993 SanDISCA was created as an umbrella organization for all fifteen Sister City Societies of San Diego. SanDISCA works to maintain citizen–diplomat relations with each sister city. Each individual sister society has its own membership, pursues its own mission and conducts its own cultural and educational programs.

 

SanDISCA and the 15 Sister City Societies of San Diego invite and welcome new members!