The Sister States of Maryland, Inc., a private, not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Maryland, partners with the Maryland Sister States Program, a program in the International Division of Maryland’s Office of the Secretary of State. The Maryland Sister States Program was established to provide a government to government forum for the promotion of international cooperation and understanding. Through broad-based citizen participation in a wide variety of exchanges in areas of mutual interest, the Maryland Sister States Program offers countless opportunities to develop partnerships around the world. The Maryland Sister States Program was established in 1980 and currently includes 20 relationships in 17 countries.
The Maryland Sister States Program relies on the Sister States of Maryland, Inc.’s extensive network of representative volunteer committees for development of Maryland’s Sister State relationships. Together with the Sister States of Maryland, Inc., the Maryland Sister States Program draws upon the expertise and experience of individuals from institutions, businesses, and organizations across Maryland to support these important subnational partnerships. When added to their overseas counterparts, these committees form a powerful network both at home and abroad for fostering public/private cross-fertilization and social and economic growth.
Sister States relationships are significant in an age in which state and regional governments have an increasingly greater role in events. By giving access to policy makers, the people-to-people contacts of the Maryland Sister States Program add a human dimension to governmental interaction. They help to create a friendly and receptive climate for developing multi-faceted ties in today’s closely integrated but highly competitive environment.
For questions or information regarding the Maryland Sister States Program in Maryland’s Office of the Secretary of State, please contact the SOS Office by phone: 410-974-5521.
The Sister States of Maryland, Inc. is not an agency of the State of Maryland.