SAN FRANCISCO SISTER CITIES

Local Chair: Vacant

In 2023, San Francisco and Abidjan celebrated and deepened their sister city ties through a networking event with the African American Chamber of Commerce, highlighting Abidjan’s rich cultural influence. Collaborations with SF MODEFA (San Francisco Modern Ethnic Fashion Week) emphasize local African arts education and Ivorian heritage in the Bay Area.

Local Chair: Vacant

The San Francisco-Amman sister city relationship promotes cultural and educational exchange. Joint programs in public health and urban development reflect the cities' shared commitments to sustainability and diversity.

Local Chair: Richard Armanino

Celebrating 50 years of partnership, San Francisco and Assisi honor their shared namesake, St. Francis, through exchanges focused on heritage and peace. Exhibits of historical photos and artifacts and visits from Assisi delegations affirm the cities’ enduring connection.

Local Co-Chairs: James Herlihy and Madhav Misra

Since 2009, San Francisco and Bangalore have strengthened ties as leading tech centers. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore’s partnership with San Francisco fosters collaboration in technology, education, and cultural exchange, reinforcing their roles as global innovation hubs.

Local Chair: Fariba Rezvani

Known for iconic architecture, from Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia to vibrant art and cuisine, Barcelona joined as a sister city in 2010, focusing on urban innovation and Mediterranean-inspired culture. This partnership fosters exchanges like the Sister Schools Program, where students engage in virtual projects, and annual Catalonian celebrations in San Francisco showcase Barcelona’s art and culinary traditions.

Local Chair: Diarmuid Philpott

San Francisco and Cork have built a strong partnership since 1984, celebrated through cultural delegations and the annual Irish flag-raising at San Francisco City Hall. Initially led by Mayor Feinstein, this relationship now includes business and cultural missions that deepen educational, municipal, and trade ties between the two cities.

Local Chair: Bob Tandler

Since 1973, San Francisco and Haifa have focused on cultural and educational exchanges, especially in science, technology, and cultural diversity. Programs foster collaborations with universities and tech companies, and the partnership celebrates Haifa’s inclusive society, embracing Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities.

Local Chair: George Saxton

Established in 1995, this sister city relationship reflects San Francisco’s Vietnamese-American heritage. The partnership supports initiatives in healthcare, trade, and cultural understanding, with student exchanges and joint celebrations, including the popular Vietnamese New Year, Tết, to bridge Vietnamese and American communities.

Local Chair: Renata Kiefer

Since becoming a sister city in 2017, Kiel and San Francisco have celebrated shared maritime and environmental values. Highlights include the Kieler Woche poster exhibit at San Francisco International Airport and the CINEMARE Ocean Film Festival, showcasing marine conservation films. The Sister City Life virtual project recently connected residents, reinforcing innovation and ocean advocacy.

Local Co-Chairs: Christopher Kerosky and Tad Taube

Since 2009, Kraków and San Francisco have shared a focus on historical preservation and academic collaboration. This partnership features arts exchanges and events like Kraków’s Jewish Culture Festival in San Francisco. Joint Holocaust remembrance events honor Kraków’s history as a Jewish cultural center, furthering this meaningful connection.

Local Chair: Carmen Colet

San Francisco’s partnership with Manila, established in 1961, celebrates Filipino-American heritage through events like Filipino American History Month. Collaborative exchanges in healthcare, education, and cultural initiatives strengthen ties, especially within San Francisco’s large Filipino community, highlighting shared values and cultural pride.

Local Co-Chairs: Kathleen Kimura and Allen M. Okamoto

As San Francisco’s oldest sister city (since 1957), the Osaka partnership includes cultural festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating Japanese heritage. Educational and business exchanges emphasize innovation and urban development, reflecting shared interests and solidifying one of San Francisco’s longest-standing international bonds.

Local Chair: Thomas Horn

Established in 1997, the San Francisco–Paris sister city relationship celebrates shared values in arts, culture, and urban innovation. Annual events, such as French National Day in San Francisco, highlight Parisian art, food, and music. Cultural exchanges and joint art exhibits foster connections between artists and students, enhancing appreciation for French heritage within the Bay Area.

Local Chair: Hagen Choi

Formed in 1976, this sister city relationship emphasizes exchanges in technology, culture, and human rights. Celebrations around Korean American Day and cultural showcases strengthen ties, while partnerships between technology startups and academic institutions in both cities advance digital innovation and mutual support.

Local Chair: Daphne Huang Fang

Established in 1979, the San Francisco-Shanghai partnership has seen over 200 collaborative projects. Recent mayoral visits renewed this bond, with annual events like "Shanghai Week in San Francisco" showcasing art, business forums, and student exchanges that foster cultural and economic connections.

Local Chair: Claire Johnson

Since 1968, San Francisco and Sydney have collaborated in marine science, urban planning, and cultural exchanges. Celebrations like Australia Day in San Francisco and Sydney’s culinary influence on the Bay Area highlight this enduring cultural and environmental relationship.

Local Chair: Ta Lin Hsu

San Francisco’s sister city since 1969, Taipei celebrates this relationship through cultural events and exchanges. The Chinese Pavilion in Golden Gate Park, gifted by Taipei, and shared support for LGBTQ+ Pride, along with Taiwanese cultural nights, bring authentic cultural appreciation and deepen this enduring bond.

Local Chair: Van Kiniris

Established in 1990, San Francisco and Thessaloniki share a focus on heritage preservation and academic exchange, with programs promoting democracy and culture. Greek cultural festivals in San Francisco celebrate Thessaloniki’s history, and collaborations in education and trade strengthen ties between these ancient and modern cities.

Local Co-Chairs: James C. Bridgman and Gianmatteo Costanza

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Zurich-San Francisco partnership, recent events blended culinary arts, music, and social discussions. Highlights included Swiss musician Erika Stucky performing in the Castro District, a Zurich tram on San Francisco’s F-line, and a panel on LGBTQ+ histories, underscoring shared values in arts and inclusivity.