Welcome to the Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation (ASCF) website, where we have highlighted in pictures and words how common citizens, such as you and I, can focus on a vision of being Citizen Diplomats. This vision, first articulated in 1956 by U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, has in the ensuing 50 plus years created a dynamic grass-roots international organization that links over 1900 international cities with more than 600 sister cities throughout the U.S. (For more information: see www.Sister-Cities.org).

As an all-volunteer organization, coupled with continual support from Albuquerque’s City Hall, ASCF is proud to represent Albuquerque to nine of these international cities. By date of joining us these cities are—Sasebo, Japan (1966), Chihuahua, Mexico (1970), Helmstedt, Germany (1983), Hualien, Taiwan (1983), Guadalajara, Mexico (1986), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (1990), Lanzhou, China (1996), Alburquerque, Spain (2003). and Rehovot, Israel (2008). With such a diverse representation from around the globe, it’s no wonder Albuquerque continues to maintain a reputation for being one of the most culturally diverse cities in the U.S.

We’ve come a long way since Ruth Hashimoto and city leaders formed the first sister city relationship in 1966 with Sasebo, Japan. And, I’m sure there will be other sister city friendships formed in the future. Why? The vision goes on, encouraging hundreds of Albuquerqueans—representing business, government, youth, education, and internationally-minded families and individuals—to reach out beyond their borders.

So, get ready, Albuquerque, for your future! Join us as we continue to discover new priceless friendships, one person at a time.

Richard Buckler