Photo: Kymberli-Brady-Jim-Watkins-with-Sister-Cities-International
Former mayor of San Jose recognised for work in citizen diplomacy
13 August 2014
by Richard Forster
Sister Cities International has awarded the former mayor of San Jose and former US Secretary of Transport, Norman Mineta, for his long-time support of cultural and economic development exchanges through sister cities.
“As a local, national and international leader, Honourable Mineta’s support has not only been exemplified in leadership roles but has also been demonstrated in his service on Sister Cities International’s Board of Directors,” said Sister Cities International President and CEO, Mary D. Kane.
The Michael A. Guido Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to him at a special ceremony during Sister Cities International’s 2014 Annual Conference in San Jose, California.
Accepting his award Mineta said: “It is an honour to receive [this] award. It is inspiring to see how this citizen diplomacy movement has grown and strengthened over the years.”
In a distinguished public service career, Mineta has served as Secretary of Transport, Secretary of Commerce, a Congressman and Mayor of San Jose, California.
The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional support to the sister city and citizen diplomacy movement, and have distinguished themselves as outstanding global leaders. Previous recipients include, Terry Branstad, Governor of Iowa, Richard Daley, the former Mayor of Chicago, Donald Payne of New Jersey, and Bill Richardson former Governor of New Mexico.
Sister Cities International’s 58th Annual Conference brought together elected and municipal officials, engaged citizens, diplomats, and business leaders in the capital of Silicon Valley to discuss ‘The Power of Digital Diplomacy’. Conference sessions provided attendees with opportunities to learn about strengthening their sister city programmes through informative sessions led by experts and industry leaders.
Cities that were also recognised include Fresno, Ulaanbaatar/Denver and San Antonio, among others, for achievements in youth and education, innovation in arts and culture, and economic development respectively.
