Post by Sister Cities International

Traditional diplomacy evokes images of formal, high-level negotiations between foreign leaders, yet grassroots initiatives can often have the most impact. This panel brings together ambassadors and other senior embassy diplomats to discuss the immense value their respective nations realize when local communities connect across borders. From their unique vantage points, these leaders will explore how these sister city ties can serve as a critical diplomatic tool when student, sports, cultural, and business exchanges catalyze economic growth and enhance mutual understanding. Hear from: • His Excellency Ambassador Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are — Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Embassy of Nigeria • His Excellency Ambassador Jose Miguel Aleman Healy — Ambassador of Panama to the United States, Embassy of Panama • Masatsugu Odaira — Minister of Public Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the United States of America • Katarzyna Rybka-Iwańska — First Counselor, Head of Communications and Public Diplomacy, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the United States Moderator: • Margot Carrington — Former Minister-Counselor U. S. Embassy Tokyo, Foreign Service Join us at the Sister Cities International 70th Anniversary Homecoming to be a part of this event! 📍When: Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:30 PM ET 📍Where: OAS (Organization of American States) in Washington, DC Learn more and register at sistercities.org.