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ANNUAL REPORT

Raleigh Sister Cities 2025 -

2026 Impact Report Summary

Advancing Global Connections Through Local Engagement 

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Raleigh Sister Cities strengthens international understanding through cultural exchange, shared learning, education, and community partnerships between Raleigh and its global sister cities. This year reflects significant organizational growth, expanded community engagement, and increased financial sustainability.

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Impact at a Glance

  • Membership growth: 32 → 50 active subscriptions

  • Estimated reach: 350–700 direct participants, 1,000+ total community touchpoints

  • Strong participation across cultural, educational, and international programming

  • 7 active Sister Cities programs, 1 new Sister City (see below)

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Strategic Priorities and Growth

  • Strengthened organizational sustainability through increased membership and engagement

  • Re-engaged board through structured working groups:

    • Culture, History, and Arts (CHA)

    • Youth, Education and People-to-People (YEPP)

    • Economic Development, Innovation, and Technology (EDIT)

  • Expanded focus on long-term growth and preparation for 2026 40th Anniversary

  • Defined collaboration and partnership framework emphasizing clear roles, outcomes, and visibility

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Programs and Global Engagement

Active partnerships and exchanges included:

  • Active Cities: Rostock, Gibraltar, Hull, Nairobi, Compiègne, Guadalajara, Syr

  • New Sister City: Gangseo-gu (Seoul suburb), South Korea

  • University Collaboration: NC State University research and professor exchange with sister universities

  • Visiting Delegations: Kenyan Ambassador to the United States visit and Rostock Delegation 

  • Raleigh/RSC Member Visits: Hull, Rostock, Compiègne, Guadalajara, Syr, Nairobi

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Community programming highlights:

  • Cultural dinners and local international community celebration collaborations

  • Dia de Muertos, Guy Fawkes Night, French Wine Challenge, Winter Open House, Pancake Supper 

  • NCMA Language Café (Spanish and Arabic; recurring program launching) and NCSU Packapalooza

  • World Cup Week programming (Transfer Co partnership)

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Average attendance ranged 25–50 participants per event, supported by growing visibility through partner organizations. Free, community-based activities bring and drive our membership, visibility

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Youth and Education Impact

  • Youth Leadership Program (YLS) sponsorship program launched and will recur annually;  one Raleigh-based youth accepted to YLS in Washington, D.C.

  • Student participation in SCI national youth opportunities, including Youth Artists and Authors (YAAS) and YLS

  • Engagement with local IB and Global Studies K-12 schools, and local university programs, including hosting a university international relations intern

  • Participation in GoGlobalNC Global Education Working Group

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Partnerships and Regional Collaboration

  • Formal partnerships with:

    • NC State University Global Engagement Office

    • GoGlobalNC

    • Diamante Arts and Cultural Center

    • Raleigh Parks and Recreation

  • Increased collaboration across Triangle Sister Cities network to share programming, best practices

  • Strengthened alignment with community cultural institutions and local government partners

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Looking Ahead

  • Celebrate 40th Anniversary (Fall 2026) with programming from August to October, culminating in RSC’s 40th Anniversary Reception at the Executive Mansion on Friday, October 23rd

  • Expand membership and deepen engagement across the board and the community

  • Strengthen international partnerships with defined outcomes and shared value, highlighting shared learning and activities across partner institutions.

  • Strategic direction for 2026-2027:

    • Engage and formally partner with Raleigh’s growing international and diaspora communities

    • Align more closely with City of Raleigh priorities, strategic interests, and areas of innovation

    • Strengthen government-to-government relationships for shared learning and collaboration

  • Scale youth and education programming through learning initiatives, relaunching exchange youth programs​

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Closing

Raleigh Sister Cities enters the next year in a position of renewed strength, with expanded partnerships, growing community engagement, and increased financial sustainability. The organization is well-positioned to deepen its impact and lead a milestone 40th anniversary year rooted in global connection and local collaboration.

 

For More Information

Please check out Raleigh Sister Cities channels for updates, events, and opportunities to celebrate global cultures through our international partnerships: 

 

For additional questions, email Info@RaleighSisterCities.org.​

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