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International relations

As an internationally connected city, Adelaide is committed to understanding and embracing international trends and practices in urban, economic, social and sustainable development, through participation in a diverse network of global partnerships.

International Partnerships are important to the growth of the City of Adelaide. The future of Adelaide is creating a true global city, which is renowned for its liveability, creativity and prosperity. People, business and governments will work together to create beneficial partnerships. These partnerships will take on a new approach, as we face an ever changing globe – where city to city partnerships are important now more than ever.

In order to be able to compete effectively in an increasingly internationally connected marketplace and community, it is important for Adelaide to position itself strategically in the global community. International relationships that facilitate the trade of information, people and resources, that are flexible, dynamic, and help the city carve a unique identity on the world stage will support this. It will be important to have a clear strategic intent but also to be open to relationship opportunities aligned to the strategic intent as they arise.

Over the next twenty years, the City will continue to grow and change, with planned increases in population providing a range of challenges and opportunities, particularly relating to resource and infrastructure management. International partnerships can help provide Adelaide with the knowledge and support required to develop and maintain a liveable, sustainable and globally competitive city.

From Diplomat visits, to education exchanges, sister cities to memorandums of understanding and from increases in tourist visits to the creation of new export markets – the City of Adelaide’s international partners will be diverse and dynamic.

Current international partnerships

	Austin, Texas, United States of America Sister City with Adelaide since 1983 Prosperous and Creative City » More info
	Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Sister City with Adelaide since 1972 Liveable, Creative and Prosperous City » More info
	Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia Sister City with Adelaide since 1973 Liveable and Creative City » More info
	Himeji, Hyogo, Japan Sister City with Adelaide since 1982 Liveable and Creative City » More info
	Dalian, Liaoning, Peoples Republic of China Friendly City with Adelaide since 2001 Creative City » More info (Coming soon)
	Chengdu, Sichuan, Peoples Republic of China Friendly City with Adelaide since 2001 Creative City » More info (Coming soon)
	Qingdao, Shandong, Peoples Republic of China Friendly City with Adelaide since 2001 Liveable, Creative and Prosperous City » More info (Coming soon)

Outcomes sought from international partnerships

Adelaide’s international partnerships will be designed to promote Adelaide as an internationally connected city, known for a willingness to collaborate and share best practice initiatives. Partnerships will support activities and outcomes that are of mutual benefit to business, government and the community and that will increase Adelaide’s global presence and reputation, particularly in areas of local excellence and expertise.

Partnerships will focus on three key outcomes, which build on Adelaide’s strengths and capabilities:

Liveable City outcome:
● The City of Adelaide will be internationally recognised for its liveability, connected transport options, environmental sustainability and outstanding urban design
● The City of Adelaide will continue to develop its liveability by learning and benchmarking with other leading cities

Creative City outcome:
● The City of Adelaide will be internationally recognised for the breadth of its arts, sporting and cultural events and institutions, and its strengths in community capacity building
● The City of Adelaide will enhance its creative and cultural events by linking with international leaders and providers in the creative industries

Prosperous City outcome.
● The City of Adelaide will be internationally recognised as a connected, competitive, modern and welcoming place to study, visit and do business
●The City of Adelaide will support businesses to leverage the commercial opportunities offered through linkages with international markets, partners and investors

For further information:
» International Partnership Strategy, “An internationally connected City” (PDF, 3MB)

Adelaide as an international city

The Adelaide City Council is the Capital City Council for South Australia, covering the suburbs of Adelaide and North Adelaide, including the nationally heritage-listed Adelaide Park Lands.

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About sister cities

The Sister Cities Movement is a worldwide concept which originated soon after World War II. National Sister Cities efforts were independently started on many different continents, with the same goal: to help develop enduring networks of communications between the cities of the world to cut across boundaries and reduce polarisation among nations.

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