In a world defined by globalization and digital innovation, cities are increasingly looking beyond their borders to forge meaningful connections with international counterparts. That’s one of the many reasons Sterling Heights recently launched a sister city program between Sterling Heights in the U.S. state of Michigan and Ankawa in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Our partnership is centered around the pillars of culture and commerce, with a goal of fostering collaboration and mutual growth in a digital-forward world.

The cultural pillar: art, youth, and education exchange

A vibrant cultural exchange is at the heart of our Sister City program, and we look forward to bringing our residents closer through the universal languages of art, culture and education. One of our flagship initiatives will be an art and culture exchange program featuring a digitally hosted art exchange that allows artists from both cities to showcase their work to each other’s communities. We’ll also be hosting an annual art contest for residents of all ages that fosters a creative dialogue between our two cities.

We understand that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, so youth development is also a key part of the cultural pillar. We plan to highlight emerging leaders from both Sterling Heights and Ankawa, offering them opportunities to participate in leadership exchanges. Plans are also in place to create partnerships between universities and colleges from both cities, paying special attention to curriculum development and research collaboration in emerging technologies. We hope these partnerships inspire our young people to engage in the innovative thinking and practical applications of technology that will prepare them to tackle the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

The digital nature of these virtual art exchanges and academic partnerships allows us to be inclusive, giving residents from both cities an opportunity to participate and connect, regardless of geographical distance.

The commerce pillar: training, innovation, and business development

While cultural exchange fosters understanding, the commerce pillar focuses on economic empowerment through a series of workshops, training programs, and business forums. Our goal is to promote sustainable growth in both cities by leveraging each of our strengths and learning from one another.

Workshops will cover a range of critical topics, from emerging technologies and workforce training to cybersecurity awareness and sustainable urban planning. These sessions will be invaluable as both cities look to prepare our respective workforces for a digital and automated future. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, businesses in both Sterling Heights and Ankawa will benefit from these knowledge-sharing initiatives that help our workforce adapt to technological shifts.

I’m particularly excited about the planned keynote speaker series featuring prominent business leaders from both the Chaldean Community Foundation in Sterling Heights and the entrepreneurial community in Ankawa. These digitally streamed sessions will cover topics such as AI, sustainable business practices, and automation – areas that are increasingly vital for companies looking to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market. The series will be similar to a TED talk but will focus exclusively on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in our two cities.

Lastly, one of the most transformative programs in the commerce pillar is the plan to establish a business start-up knowledge exchange forum. This initiative will bring together entrepreneurs and business leaders from both cities to share valuable insights, best practices, and lessons learned. By fostering an environment of mutual learning, we hope this forum will create a foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a roadmap for aspiring business owners in both cities.

The broader benefits of Sister City programs

Sister City programs have a long history of advancing international diplomacy and cultural exchange. In today’s interconnected world, their potential impact has multiplied. Programs like ours are especially significant because they provide a framework for long-term, meaningful collaboration that extends far beyond ceremonial exchanges.

In a digital-first world, where geographical barriers are less relevant, the benefits of Sister City partnerships can be even more profound. Virtual exchanges, workshops, and digital forums allow for real-time communication and knowledge sharing between communities thousands of miles apart. Residents of Sterling Heights and Ankawa will be able to form connections not only through in-person delegations, but also through a constant flow of virtual interactions. This nurtures a deeper understanding of different cultures, viewpoints, and shared global challenges.

Economically, programs like ours are transformative. Sister City relationships often lead to increased trade and investment opportunities as businesses gain access to new markets and insights. For instance, our partnership’s focus on AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship aligns with some of the most critical global economic trends, ensuring both cities are better equipped to compete in a rapidly changing world.

Sister City partnerships pool resources and knowledge, creating opportunities for innovation that might not have been possible alone. In partnerships like ours, businesses and governments can work together to share expertise on everything from workforce development to cybersecurity. This collaborative approach allows cities to tackle shared challenges more effectively.

A vision for the future: full launch in 2025

We will use 2024 as our planning and initial implementation phase, with a full launch of the Sterling Heights-Ankawa Sister City program in 2025. By then, both cities plan to have fully operational programs under both the cultural and commerce pillars. The digital art exchanges, workshops, and keynote speaker series will be well established, providing a solid foundation for continued growth.

We see potential for even more expansion of the program in the coming years. As the initial cultural and economic initiatives gain momentum, both cities envision sending delegations to further cement the partnership and explore additional avenues for collaboration. These visits will offer tangible opportunities for leaders and residents to engage face-to-face, solidifying relationships that have been built digitally.

Our greatest hope for this partnership is that it serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together across borders to build a brighter future. Our Sister City program with Ankawa marks the beginning of a dynamic relationship – one we hope will continue to evolve, adapt, and expand, leaving a legacy of cooperation, creativity, and shared success.

Michael C. Taylor is the mayor of Sterling Heights, Michigan.