Kingston has officially joined hands with the City of New Orleans, USA, in a historic sister city agreement — marking a new chapter in the capital’s efforts to strengthen international relationships and celebrate shared cultural ties.

The agreement, which was signed on September 26, establishes a framework for cooperation between the two cities across culture, education, tourism, and economic development. The partnership is expected to open doors for creative industry collaboration, municipal knowledge sharing, and exchange programs between institutions in both countries.

“This partnership is more than symbolic,” said Mayor Andrew Swaby following the signing ceremony. “It’s about deepening cultural ties, encouraging knowledge exchange, and creating new opportunities for our people. Kingston and New Orleans both understand the power of culture — and we both know what it means to rise, rebuild, and inspire.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who signed on behalf of her city, echoed the sentiment, describing the partnership as a natural alliance between two cities defined by creativity and resilience. “Kingston and New Orleans are kindred cities in so many ways,” she said. “We share a love for music, art, and the spirit of our people. This partnership isa celebration of what connects us — and what we can achieve together.”

Under the agreement, Kingston and New Orleans will explore initiatives in urban planning, climate resilience, city governance, cultural heritage, and tourism development. Plans also include student and artist exchanges, and the development of joint programs to promote creative tourism and cultural preservation.

Sister city agreements — also known as twin city partnerships — are internationally recognized as a way to foster mutual understanding and shared progress between cities across the globe. Through these relationships, municipalities exchange ideas, build trade and tourism links, and strengthen people-to-people connections that go beyond politics.

This marks the first sister city partnership signed under Mayor Swaby’s tenure, reflecting his administration’s commitment to positioning Kingston as a globally connected and culturally confident city.

“This is about creating pathways — for our youth, our entrepreneurs, and our cultural practitioners,” Mayor Swaby added. “Kingston is open to the world, and this partnership shows exactly that.”

A joint working group will now be formed to identify projects and exchanges that can bring the partnership to life, with both cities expected to announce their first collaborative activities in the coming year.

The signing of the Kingston–New Orleans agreement underscores the growing role of Caribbean cities in international cooperation and cultural diplomacy — reaffirming Kingston’s place on the global stage as a city of creativity, resilience, and connection.

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