As Austin’s international organization, we stand with our sister cities and sister countries all over the world. Our mission to promote international understanding, friendship and cooperation is even more important now when uncertainty affects everyone across the globe.

Austin Sister Cities International has 14 sister cities, at least one on every inhabited continent of the globe, and all of us have been hit hard by the pandemic. In these difficult times, we want to make it known that ASCI is here to support and uplift our international family. As Citizen Diplomats, we at ASCI believe whole-heartedly in international community and solidarity, which is at the core of our work. Although international travel isn’t possible right now, we will continue to connect through technology, which is proving to ease our feelings of isolation. However, we cannot wait to gather again in person with our dear friends all over the world and to continue creating new connections that become long-lasting relationships.

The people of our sister cities and their countries in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia, are facing similar challenges daily during this COVID-19 outbreak. Life, as we all knew it, has changed, but we will support each other and get through these days together.

Sincerely,

Austin Sister Cities International