I wrote recently about how Sister City partnerships are demonstrating, without being specifically focus on the global Agenda 2030. Fostering peaceful, just and inclusive societies, which are free from violence, leads to sustainable development. Sadly in our world today, there are perhaps two dozen countries where there is no peace, AND little or no sustainable development.

As a retired UNHCR professional officer, I have been actively studying how to promote linkages between grass-roots citizens using the internet, cell phones and technologies and platforms available.

Might Sister City partnerships be a new catalyst, increasing the number of players helping to make profound, far-reaching, and people-centered progress achieving the Sustainable Development Goal objectives?

There is a great initiative occurring now, and for the next 4 months, on the Medium platform (EUintheUS). My suggestion, ‘Join the conversation Melinda. Ask for volunteers from EU and US sister city partnerships to support specific women in tech projects.’