at the ANEW Hotel Parktonian, Johannesburg. The dialogue sought to serve as a catalyst for addressing social, economic, political and cultural challenges confronting cities. The stakeholders tackling these issues were diverse, ranging from academics and scholars, to city and corporate officials. Dr Bob Wekesa, the Deputy Director of ACSUS, presided over the three day conference.
Cllr Jongizizwe Dlabathi, National Executive Committee member from the South African Local Government Association, also gave a message of support. He was succeeded by Mr. Vincent Spera, Consul General from the Johannesburg Consulate, and U.S. Mission in South Africa, who also applauded the initiative by the Centre. Afterwards, conference delegates were virtually welcomed by, Mr. Mzikayifani Khumalo, member of the Executive Council of the Gauteng Province. Mr.
Knowledge production around how African and U.S. cities can strategically engage as international actors and strengthen their sister city partnerships. A call for the resuscitation of the Johannesburg and New York sister city partnership was explicitly singled out however, there where suggests on pairing Johannesburg with Los Angeles due to the vast commonality between the two cities.
Connecting African and U.S. scholars, policymakers, practitioners and professionals with an interest in city relations, and related sustainable development goals.