Did you know Winston-Salem has sister cities halfway across the world?
The Sister City program forms unique partnerships with other cities in order to promote cross-cultural understanding and stimulate economic development. The program involves three sectors:
- Local government
- Business
- Private voluntary sectors like nonprofit organizations or citizen volunteers
Buchanan, Liberia
Before Winston and Salem merged, the city of Buchanan and the town of Salem formed a connection in October 1836. The Moravian Church established a neighborhood for Freedmen, named “Liberia,” which is known as the Happy Hill community today.
Kumasi, Ghana
The Twin City formalized their sister city relationship in July 2001. Located on the west coast of Africa, Kumasi was a hub of the transatlantic slave trade, as well as a site of resistance against the British colonial regime. It became a major commercial center with easy access to trade routes, which contributed to its growing wealth.
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is Bahamas’ capital city and the largest of the island. Tourism makes up about 50% of their gross domestic revenue. The sister city formalized its partnership with Winston-Salem in October 2006.
Shanghai - Yang Pu District, China
This sister city has a population of 1.2 million people, serving as the main center for cultural, financial, and industrial development in China. The partnership was established in December 2006. A number of physicians from Yang Pu District attended a training at Wake Forest Bowman Gray School of Medicine to foster cultural exchanges.
Ungheni, Moldova
This city lies between Romania and Ukraine in eastern Europe. It is known for its agriculture and textiles industries which date back centuries. As part of the exchange, a musical group from Moldova performed with local symphony musicians. The sister city partnership was established in the summer of 2000.
