Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Sister City Committee has received national recognition for its work connecting the Ohio community with people and organizations around the world.
The committee was named the recipient of the 2026 Sister Cities International Best Overall Program Award in the category for cities with populations between 100,000 and 300,000.
The award was presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The event took place as Sister Cities International marked the 70th anniversary of its establishment and the country observed the America 250 semiquincentennial celebration.
The recognition highlights Dayton’s long-running efforts to develop international relationships through cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, community programs and direct connections between residents.
“This honor belongs to the entire Dayton community,” said Kevin Lydy, Dayton Sister City Committee chairperson. The program’s sustained success is powered by solid collaborations with local educational institutions, cultural non-profits, civic organizations, and small businesses.”
Dayton maintains connections with seven sister cities
Several recent initiatives contributed to the committee’s continuing international work. They include youth exchange opportunities that allow younger participants to experience different cultures and build relationships with people from other countries.
Other efforts include the Young Authors/Artists Showcase and the Oiso Pottery Exchange. The committee has also supported citizen-led peace-building dialogues, providing another way for residents to take part in international communication and cooperation.
Dayton City Commissioner Matt Joseph praised both the committee and the wider community following the announcement.
“It is wonderful to see Dayton’s committee and community receiving this recognition. The award honors the Sister City tradition of person-to-person diplomacy, cross-cultural friendship, and volunteer-led efforts working for peace.”
Dayton currently maintains sister city relationships with seven communities around the world. They are Augsburg in Germany, Oiso in Japan, Holon in Israel, Monrovia in Liberia, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Salfit in Palestine, and Rushmoor in the United Kingdom.
The city’s involvement in the Sister City program stretches back more than six decades. The Dayton City Commission created the Dayton Sister City Committee in 1964, and its members are appointed by the City Commission.
The program also depends heavily on community participation because all activities carried out on behalf of the committee are performed on a voluntary basis.
Through those volunteer efforts and partnerships with educational institutions, cultural nonprofits, civic groups and small businesses, the committee has continued to promote connections between Dayton residents and communities overseas. The 2026 Best Overall Program Award now provides national recognition for those efforts and Dayton’s long history of international engagement.
