​Discover how sister city partnerships can serve as powerful, versatile "investment tools" to drive exchange in human resources, academia, and economic development. By showcasing real-world success stories, this event explores how the deep-rooted trust built by sister city activities creates a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term economic opportunities.

​Key Takeaways:

​Trust as a Catalyst: Learn how grassroots, people-to-people exchanges foster mutual trust essential for successful economic partnerships.

​A Strategic Vision: Explore diverse, practical ways to strategically leverage sister city relationships to benefit your local economy.

​Program

​9:30 AM — Registration & networking coffee

​10:00 AM — Opening remarks

​10:15 AM — Session 1: Built on Trust - Sister Cities as a Foundation for Economic Opportunity

​Featuring representatives from San Diego and the City of Yokohama sharing insights from Mayor of San Diego Todd Gloria’s recent high-profile trade mission to Japan.

​10:45 AM — Session2: Sister Cities with Diverse Possibilities and Counterparts

​A series of dynamic, fast-paced (3-minute) presentations from cities, universities, and associations highlighting innovative models of cross-sector cooperation.

​11:05 PM — Session 3: Cross-Sectional Collaboration for Sustainability

​A deep dive into how the City of Long Beach, its economic development partner Invest Long Beach, and Long Beach-Yokkaichi Sister City Association collaborate for sustainable impact.

​Speakers to be announced. Space is limited.

​Parking details will be shared with registered guests.

​Co-hosted by the Consulates General of Japan in Los Angeles and San Francisco and the California-Japan Sister Cities Network (CJSCN), in partnership with City of Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity and Invest Long Beach.