VICII: Burlington Sister Cities Summit: Detente From Below

Description

From VICII:

In this era when nation-states are amassing more weapons, engaging in more wars, and spreading more hatred, join us at the Vermont Institute of Community and International Involvement as we host a summit meeting of Burlington’s Sister Cities. Together, we aim to reinvigorate our Sister Cities and strive again for true peace through Détente From Below. Let's build bridges of friendship and understanding, proving that people-to-people contact can foster peace and community across the globe.

Objectives include:

• Promote Cultural Exchange: Enhance mutual understanding and respect through cultural, educational, and social exchanges.
• Foster Economic Collaboration: Identify and develop economic opportunities and partnerships that benefit sister cities.
• Support Peace and Conflict Resolution: Use people-to-people connections to support peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.
• Strengthen Community Bonds: Engage local communities in sister city activities to build lasting relationships.

Opening Remarks and Welcome Address: Eric Agnero, Executive Director, VICII

• Keynote Speech: Peter Clavelle, former Mayor of Burlington

Session 1: Historical Context and Origins of Détente From Below

• Presentation: "The Peace Movement 'Détente From Below' - Origins and Evolution" by Sandy Baird, Historian

Session 2: Case Studies, Success Stories, and Strategies for Strengthening Sister City Bonds"

• Panel Discussion: "Burlington's Sister Cities - Building Bridges Across Continents"
• Moderator: Peter Clavelle
• Panelists:  Representative from Puerto Cabezas, Bilwi, Nicaragua; Representative from Yaroslavl, Soviet Union (Russia); Representative from Bethlehem, Palestine; Representative from Thiès, Senegal; Representative from Honfleur, France.

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