Houston: Gateway to the World

Houston is a city that believes in the power of diversity. Its residents have adopted an inclusive mindset that has led to the creation of the nation’s most dynamic economy and a welcoming spirit, which has helped to cultivate a rich cultural experience that is easily accessible in a place proudly featuring “the most diverse population in the U.S.” Time and time again, residents in the nation’s fourth most-populated city, and the elected officials who represent them, have opted for a comprehensive approach when addressing various issues and developing strategies for future growth, and the result has consistently helped Houston strengthen its well-deserved reputation as a “global gateway to the world.” More than 90 languages are spoken in our city, and we are home to the most Fortune 500 companies outside of New York. Houston is host to the country’s third-largest consular corps and maintains seventeen sister city relationships.

Our sister city relationships represent a cornerstone of Houston’s overall international outreach efforts. Sister city relationships allow for cooperation based on commonalities that cross borders and cultures. Many of Houston’s sister cities are focused on shared or complementary industries, such as energy, medicine, and technology. Houston’s sister cities are diverse and share characteristics that encourage sustainability and cooperation between our respective citizens.

In large part, these relationships are cultivated and maintained by volunteers who form Houston’s sister city associations. Working in conjunction with the more traditional diplomacy efforts, these citizen diplomats liaise with their counterparts located in 17 cities abroad to foster bilateral partnerships that are mutually beneficial for both sides.

The result is often a stronger relationship between the people, governments, and business leaders of the two cities and a greater sense of connectivity. For example, Houston has enjoyed a sister city relationship with Istanbul, Turkey since 1988, and in 2013, that connection was a factor in the arrival of a new, non-stop international flight between the two destinations. The establishment of the direct route will make travel more convenient for business and leisure passengers, resulting in increased trade, tourism and cooperation. In short, the people of both cities will benefit greatly from this new flight and its arrival can be attributed in part to the existence of a sister city relationship.

These partnerships also bring about benefits that cannot be calculated in dollars and cents, but must be viewed through the prism of an overall cultural experience. Houstonians are passionate supporters of the arts. Incorporating arts and culture into the sister city program provides enriching experiences locally and abroad. The Houston-Leipzig Sister City Association, working with Rotarians and other Houston-based volunteers, commissioned a stained glass window for the historic St. Thomas Church in our German sister city Leipzig and a cantata celebrating peace. This year, as Houston and Leipzig celebrate their 20th anniversary as sister cities, we welcome the world-famous St. Thomas Boys Choir, one of the oldest continually-operating boys choirs in the world, at a special performance that all Houstonians may enjoy.

The sister city relationships contribute to a greater sense of understanding between individuals inhabiting different parts of the globe. Working with local sister city associations representing our partnerships with Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey), and Karachi (Pakistan), Houstonians can organize events such as the city-wide Houston Iftar, open to people of all beliefs looking to share in breaking the fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This annual event underscores religious tolerance, compassion and understanding, all integral to the sister cities concept. Relationships between Houston and Guayaquil, Ecuador have led to numerous exchanges between the respective fire departments, with rescue personnel sharing best practices that have resulted in lives saved in both cities. Humanitarian efforts directed to Karachi have helped provide disaster relief to victims of extreme flooding in Sindh Province, leading to a Sister Cities International humanitarian award.

As Houston continues to welcome the world to our city, we embrace the spirit of inclusiveness and exchange that the sister city program and citizen diplomats bring us. Whether the programs focus on economic development, arts and culture, or humanitarian relief, sister city relationships make our city’s global outreach personal, meaningful, and sustainable.

Note: Houston’s 17 sister cities and their year of origin are as follows:

This article was originally published in the Diplomatic Courier's November/December 2013 print edition.