60th Anniversary Party & SustainCity Summit

Six Decades of Sister City Friendship!

In October 2023, Neighbors Abroad celebrated its 60th anniversary with a week of events welcoming delegates from Heidelberg (Germany), Tsuchiura (Japan), Enschede (Netherlands), and Palo (Philippines). The inaugural SustainCity Summit occurred at Palo Alto City Hall, featuring roundtable discussions on sustainability and climate change mitigation between sister city representatives and local officials.

An al fresco dinner at iTalico on California Avenue drew 45 attendees, followed by a 60th anniversary party at Lucie Stern Community Center with over 130 supporters, dignitaries, and former exchange students. The event raised thousands for service projects in Oaxaca and Palo.

Attendees included Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou, German Consul General Oliver Schramm, and Philippine Consul General Adrian Baccay. Maico Campilongo of Terun and iTalico donated wines and musical talents. Masako DuBois performed mezzo-soprano during dinner.

Throughout the week, board members facilitated cultural, economic, and business connections. Activities included Bay Area sightseeing, visits to Facebook/Meta headquarters, the Hana Haus startup workspace, UC Berkeley football games, and Stanford University. Jeannet Kiessling received a Volunteer of the Year award from Sister Cities International.

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