RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Sister Cities International was established in 1956 to further global understanding by encouraging and assisting United States communities and their citizens to join together with cities around the world; and
WHEREAS, Since 1960, Chicago Sister Cities International has established strong ties with 28 Sister Cities around the world; and
WHEREAS, These partnerships continue to enhance international cooperation and understanding through community involvement and people-to-people relationships; and
WHEREAS, These ties have increased international trade, economic development, tourism, cultural exchange and educational opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Chicago is a global city comprised of diverse communities and neighborhoods and a leader in forging long-lasting relationships throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of Chicago's Sister City relationship with Lucerne, Switzerland; and
WHEREAS, Chicago and Lucerne have maintained a long-standing artist exchange; and
WHEREAS, Chicago and Lucerne are both known as major destinations for visitors from around the world; and
WHEREAS, Chicago shares a long history of friendship and cooperation with the people of Switzerland; and
WHEREAS, Switzerland has made vital contributions to the development of Chicago through its history and continues to play an important role in the cultural, civic and economic life of our city; and
WHEREAS, Chicago looks forward to working closely with Lucerne and Switzerland into the future; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-eighth day of February, 2018, do hereby honor Chicago's 20th anniversary with Lucerne, Switzerland, and commemorate the contributions that this relationship has brought to the citizens of the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Jorg Oberschmied, Honorary Consul, Honorary Consulate of the Swiss Federation.