Title
Sister City Relationship with the City of Yuzhne in Ukraine - For the purpose of authorizing a sister city relationship between the City of Annapolis and the City of Yuzhne in Ukraine.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 3-24
Introduced by: Mayor Buckley
Co-sponsored by:
A RESOLUTION concerning
Sister City Relationship with the City of Yuzhne in Ukraine
FOR the purpose of authorizing a sister city relationship between the City of Annapolis and the City of Yuzhne in Ukraine.
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis has a long history of fostering international relationships and promoting cultural exchange, understanding, and cooperation;
WHEREAS, The City of Yuzhne in southwestern Ukraine is also a vibrant and resilient community with a rich cultural heritage and a strong commitment to democracy and freedom;
WHEREAS, Yuzhne is located on the Black Sea coast, about 47 kilometers from the regional center of Odesa, and is one of the top three seaports in Ukraine;
WHEREAS, In 1993, the Ukrainian national parliament declared Yuzkne a city of significance in the Oblast province of Ukraine;
WHEREAS, The Sister City Program is a global network of over 1,600 communities in 145 countries that are dedicated to building relationships through citizen diplomacy; and
WHEREAS, Establishing a sister city relationship between the City of Annapolis and the City of Yuzhne would provide unique opportunities for both cities to:
a. Promote cultural exchange and understanding by facilitating educational exchanges, artistic collaborations, and other cultural programs;
b. Strengthen economic ties by encouraging business partnerships, trade delegations, and joint economic development initiatives;
c. Support democratic values and human rights by standing together in the face of challenges and promoting peace and cooperation; and
d. Build lasting friendships and connections between the people of Annapolis and Yuzhne, fostering mutual respect and understanding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that the City of Annapolis hereby commits to establishing a sister city relationship with the City of Yuzhne, Ukraine.
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that the Mayor of Annapolis is authorized to appoint a Sister City Committee to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the sister city relationship, including:
1. Formalizing the relationship: through a signed agreement between the two cities;
2. Establishing communication channels to facilitate regular communication and collaboration between city officials;
3. Organizing cultural and educational exchanges: to promote understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures;
4. Developing economic partnerships: to encourage business cooperation and trade;
5. Supporting democratic values and human rights through joint initiatives and advocacy efforts;
6. Engaging the community: by involving citizens in the sister city relationship through cultural events, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that the City of Annapolis expresses its solidarity with the people of Yuzhne and the Ukrainian people during this challenging time and commits to supporting them in their pursuit of peace, democracy, and freedom.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.