Cultural cooperation and economic growth: 'Sister Cities' initiative outcome

Are all sister city relationships the same? What are the cultural assets and economic benefits of such relationships? What is the community-based model and is there a sister-schools model? These questions were answered at the recent Victorian Sister Cities Forum at Queen's Hall Parliament House.

Queen's Hall Parliament House was the venue for the inaugural Victorian Sister Cities Forum. It was held on Wednesday 18 July 2018 and the Victorian Parliament host the Forum. 

The Forum focused on the importance and changing nature of sister cities, how to make the most of these, and why have them. There were also refers to the cultural assets of such relationships, the economic benefits and the diversity and associated challenges. 

Amongst the participants were representatives from over twenty countries, members of the Parliament of Victoria, mayors, councillors, representatives of Federal and State Departments. The Cities of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong, Port Phillip, Hobsons Bay and Frankston, as well as the Rural City of Mildura and Buloke Shire, are some of the municipalities that will be presenting papers at the Victorian Sister Cities Forum.

The introduction to Sister Cities initiative was made by Christina Despoteris, who is an executive member of 'Sister Cities Australia' and also the coordinator of the Forum. One of the speakers was Dr Hass Dellal AO, the executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Chairman of SBS and also Dr Vasilis Sarafidis, associate professor of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University.  

Dr Dellal speech was the cultural assets of sister cities relationships. 

Dr Sarafidis on the economic benefits of the initiative for cities and towns.

Vasilis Safafidis, Associate Professor of Econometrics & Business Statistics, Monash University on Sister Cities initiative. Source: SBS Greek

A Q&A session on the collaboration of local Governments was coordinated by Cr Mary Lalios, the president of the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Mary Lalios, President Municipal Association of Victoria talks about Sister Cities initiative. Source: SBS Greek

Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne talks about the diversity of Sister-City relationships and associated challenges. Source: SBS Greek

Mr David Edginton, Public Affairs Officer United States Consulate General talks about the origins of Sister Cities. Source: SBS Greek

Welcome address by Bill Wilson, President of Sister Cities Australia, with Christina Despoteris, Executive Member of Sister Cities Australia. Source: SBS Greek

Christina Despoteris, Bruce Atkinson, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga and Bill Wilson. Source: Supplied

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