Sister Cities International leads the movement for local community development and volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials and business leaders to conduct long-term programs of mutual benefit between the U.S. cities and cities all over the world. Under the auspices of Sister Cities of Long Beach, Inc., the founding committee worked diligently for two years to establish Sister Cities Long Beach-Manta. This relationship became a reality on September 27, 2000 when the Agreement was signed by Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill and Mayor Jorge Zambrano of Manta, Ecuador. In its first year (2000-2001), Long Beach-Manta Sister Cities (LBMSC) assisted in the formation of a sister committee in Manta in order to facilitate collaboration on mutual goals and objectives. This year was also dedicated to promoting the visual and performing arts and culture. LBMSC sponsored performances in Long Beach by a theatre troupe from Manta who performed at California State University at Long Beach and the Long Beach World Trade Center.

In its second year (2001-2002), The committee launched the Technology Centers Project, with the purpose of increasing the technological skills and employability of students and community members of Manta. Seven computer labs were established in elementary and high schools in low-income areas of Manta. An arrangement was made with the Universidad de Manta to provide training in basic computer skills and to help maintain the labs.

Miss Long Beach-Manta - each year a young Ecuadorian-American woman with an interest in demonstrating philanthropy and leadership is selected to represent the youth of these two nations. As part of LBMSC, Miss Long Beach-Manta develops her own community service project to help promote the LBMSC mission.