On October 25, 2025, the vibrant city of Hangzhou in the Chinese mainland hosted the 7th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference, bringing together local leaders and global dreamers to spark new connections 🌍.
At a special CGTN roundtable titled "Civilization Dialogue and Global Governance: From Local Friendship to a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity," reporter Yang Yan sat down with two influential American guests: Carol Robertson Lopez, Chair Emeritus of Sister Cities International, and Rodrigo Espinosa Rios, former Mayor of Livingston City. Both have been champions of people-to-people exchanges and longtime friends of China 🤝.
They explored how art, music, food, and local traditions can break down barriers—think of it as assembling a real-life global #Avengers squad 🎭. From community festivals in heartland towns to virtual cooking classes that melt cultural walls, they showed how grassroots ties fuel trust on the world stage.
Beyond inspiring stories, the discussion tackled big-picture challenges within multilateral groups like APEC. Our guests highlighted that strong local friendships form the foundation for smoother global governance. When neighbors share values and experiences, they’re more likely to collaborate on issues like economic growth, climate action, and sustainable development 📈♻️.
As the roundtable wrapped up, the message was clear: nurturing city-to-city bonds is more than a nice idea—it’s a powerful way to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Whether you’re a student, a startup founder, or an explorer, these cultural bridges remind us that unity starts at home and can ripple across oceans ✈️🌟.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
