June '22 MOTIA Newsletter

The eyes of the world are now on Houston. The city was chosen as one of 16 North American cities to host the single largest sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup. Houston's selection for the World Cup 2026 completes a successful four-year journey by a bid committee that sold FIFA on the advantages of NRG Stadium, the warmth and hospitality of our people, and the diversity of our city. We once again proved that Houston stands out from the other major cities and will now have the opportunity of showcasing to a global audience all that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s state-of-the-art venues have a proven track record in delivering world-class international sporting events. This selection is a landmark moment for a city that has already hosted three Super Bowls, the World Table Tennis Championships Finals, the soccer Gold Cup tournament, and three National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Final Fours.

This decision solidifies Houston as a global sports capital and we look forward to hosting fans from all over the world in Houston!

Official World Cup Host City Announcement | Houston FIFA 2026 World Cup Bid Committee Members Press Conference

Wrapping up International Trade Month and celebrating the city’s robust international partnerships, the Mayor's Office of Trade and International Affairs hosted a reception in honor of our Consular Corps and as an opportunity to bring together our broader international business and diplomatic community. Our city is proud of the relationship it has with the international government and business community, and its leaders that work diligently to put Houston at the forefront in the international arena. Our partners facilitate trade around the world with Houston's Airport System, Port Houston, and the extensive railway and freight truck system hauling cargo through the city and to the rest of the country. This global work can only be done thanks to the tremendous relationship we have with our consular corps, our international partners, the many chambers of commerce, and foreign commercial offices. A special thank you to the Four Seasons Hotel-Houston for the event's fabulous venue.

View event photos

The Mayor's Office of Trade and International Affairs joined Houstonians to celebrate the National Days of several countries with consular representation in Houston including; Italy, the Philippines, and Sweden. These events are prime examples of the diversity and vibrant community engagements we have in Houston and highlight the outstanding contributions of these communities. Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the Philippine Kalayaan Houston (PKH) in coordination with the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines to celebrate the 124th Philippine Independence Day. Council Member Mary Ann Huffman presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Sylvester Turner declaring Italy National Day in Houston, Niké Luqman, Senior Consular & International Affairs Manager presented at "Peru to the World Expo", highlighting the cultural and gastronomic presence of Peru in Houston, and Director Chris Olson joined the Chinese Civic Center in welcoming the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. during his first visit to Houston.

In June, the world celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. Together we recounted her visit to Houston, 31 years ago, and also celebrated the opening of the British Consulate in Houston 180 years ago! Reflecting upon the Queen's visit on May 22, 1991, thousands of Houstonians filled the streets waving British flags. Queen Elizabeth ll and her husband, Prince Phillip, were greeted by a choir group in front of City Hall and Houston's then-Mayor Kathy Whitmire, who gave her the key to the city.
View photos

On Thursday, June 2, 2022, Consul-General Richard Hyde and Mrs. Hyde of the British Consulate in Houston hosted a Texas tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. The garden party and festival celebrated the Queen's life and reign, presented alongside a showcase of British music, sport, culture, and cuisine. Currently, trade and cultural relationships with the United Kingdom are facilitated in Houston through the Consul General of The United Kingdom, the British-American Business Council Houston, and Britannia International Services.

Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed Mr. Nobuhiko Sasaki, Chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and representatives from JETRO Houston during their tour in Texas. JETRO is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the world. Established in 1958 to support Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's strength lies in its global network of more than 120 offices, including 48 in Japan and 74 in 54 other countries. The Houston office of JETRO is one of six (6) offices in the United States. Over JETRO-Houston’s 50-year history, it has worked in wide-ranging fields to connect Japanese business to Texas. JETRO-Houston assists companies in the U.S. South Central Region successfully invest in Japan and provides support to Japanese companies seeking to establish a business presence in the region. The Houston-Galveston Customs District is the seventh busiest gateway for U.S.-Japanese trade and Japan is Houston’s fourth-largest Asian trading partner. From ’12 to ’21, trade between Houston and Japan averaged $6.9 billion annually; it was valued at $11.5 billion in ’21.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Consul General of France Valérie Baraban kicked off Make Music Day in Houston by hosting a celebration on the steps of City Hall on the summer solstice. Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique and has spread to over 1,000 cities across 120 countries, Make Music Day (MMD) encourages people of all musical abilities to celebrate the joy of making music. The celebration reflects each city's unique character, and features national programs, free performances, neighborhood serenades, patio and park music lessons, jam sessions, and music everywhere.

Medical Bridges is a Houston-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with an international humanitarian reach. Every year, Medical Bridges collects hundreds of tons of medical donations and distributes over $7 million worth of excess medical supplies and equipment from the world's largest medical center to underserved charitable clinics across the developing world and in the U.S. For 25 years, Medical Bridges has supported international NGOs, hospitals, and clinics in over 90 countries by providing customized shipments of quality-assured medical supplies and equipment from the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medical Bridges stayed determined to serve and supply healthcare heroes on the frontlines across the globe, tackling healthcare disparities and the novel virus. Most recently, Medical Bridges and Texas A&M BUILD converted a 40-foot shipping container into a fully equipped medical clinic for Ukraine. This clinic will be stationed next to a maternal and pediatric hospital that was destroyed during the conflict in Ukraine.