New York City Global Partners


	Budapest Home Current Initiatives Past Activities

	The Beginnings of a Partnership The New York City - Budapest Sister City partnership was established in March 1992. Soon after the fall of Communism in the former Eastern Block, New York City received requests from nearly every major city in Central and East Europe to forge a Sister City relationship. Budapest is the most progressive in terms of democratic development. There are currently nine major political parties represented in the Hungarian Parliament, in the Republic of Hungary. Hungary acceded to NATO in April 1999, and became a formal ally of the United States. This move has been consistently supported by the 1.5 million-strong Hungarian-American community.

	Developing Relations Since 1992, the New York City - Budapest partnership has been one of the Sister City Program's most active relationships.

	Budapest - New York Sister City Day: Mayor Rudolph Giuliani proclaimed March 16th "Budapest - New York Sister City Day" on the third anniversary of the Sister City Partnership. On March 16th of each year, Budapest celebrates the anniversary of the New York City - Budapest partnership by hosting a ceremony and luncheon.

	Presidential Visits: SCP helped to plan events for Hungarian President Ferenc Medl's visit in 1999 as well as that of Honorable Imre Szekeres, the majority leader of the governing coalition of the Hungarian Parliament, in 1997.

	Former SCP President Theresa E. Behrendt greets Hungarian President Ferenc Medl Mayoral Visits and Exchanges: The Sister City Program organized four visits by Mayor Demszky to New York City, in 1995, 1999, 2000 and 2003. Hungarian officials have met with key officials in the New York Department of Transportation, City Hall, the New York Public Library, the Office of Management and Budget, the New York Police Department, the New York Board of Education, the Tourism Bureau, and the Community Assistance Unit.

	Hungarian Heritage in New York City: The Sister City Program actively honors historic Hungarian individuals. A few highlights of SCP participation in the commemoration of Hungarian heritage include the unveiling of the Wallenburg Memorial at the UN.

	The Future of the Partnership The Budapest - New York City partnership is an important tool in increasing opportunities for growth and enrichment in each city. Budapest facilitates Hungary's continued advancement as a democratic country [with a strong market economy] through business, cultural, and educational exchanges with New York City. Benefits to New York City and New Yorkers include addition of potential new markets for New York City businesses, increased tourism between Hungary and New York, and new opportunities to maintain and strengthen cultural ties with Hungary.