On 19-20 September, the Sister Cities Australia Forum 2019 was held in Perth, Western Australia. Approximately 50 representatives from Australian local governments, sister city committees, and relevant organizations in Australia, New Zealand, United States of America and China participated in this Forum. At the forum, discussion were held on topics such as examples of outstanding sister city exchanges, management of sister city relationships, engagement of the younger generation, and the economic benefits of sister city exchanges.
The Executive Director of CLAIR Sydney gave a presentation to introduce Japanese local governments’ initiatives relating to upcoming major sports events in Japan, such as the host town initiatives for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, from the sister city exchange perspective. The presentation also spoke about the Rugby World Cup 2019, which started on 20 September, and the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai. The presentation prompted a question from the audience regarding the registration to compete in the rugby sport category at the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai. In fact, when the World Masters Games Organizing Committee made a visit to Sydney, a representative from the Blacktown Rugby Union Football Club was also present, leading to a meaningful meeting for both parties at the CLAIR Sydney Office.
At the Sister Cities Australia Forum 2019 venue, there was an area with booths run by relevant organisations. Staff from CLAIR Sydney ran a booth and networked with forum attendees who are interested in finding more about CLAIR or have an existing relationship with CLAIR. We were able to network with not only attendees from Australia, but also attendees from New Zealand and the United States of America.
CLAIR Sydney will continue to take up every opportunity to promote Japanese initiatives, and contribute to further exchanges between local governments in Oceania and Japan.
