On Tuesday, January 13th, the Mayor’s World Heritage Committee met for the first time to discuss Philadelphia’s pursuit of World Heritage City status. Led by Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger and John F. Smith, III, Board Chair of the Global Philadelphia Association, the committee was presented with the current “Case for Philadelphia,” along with the benefits of such a distinction.

Dr. David Brownlee, Frances Shapiro-Weitzenhoffer Professor, Chair of the Graduate Group in the History of Art at the University of Pennsylvania, presented on Philadelphia’s historic, global significance while Emilia A. Allen, World Heritage Coordinator, described the project’s importance to the millennial generation.

Alan Jacobson, President of research and design firm exit, unveiled the World Heritage campaign brochure outlining Philadelphia as a perfect fit for the internationally recognized accolade.

Comprised of chief Philadelphians including Ali Velshi of Al Jazeera America and Chris Matthews of MSNBC, The Mayor’s World Heritage Committee is a gathering of 25 top area civic corporate leaders including PECO, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Deloitte and Urban Engineers.

The Mayor’s Committee will provide guidance, support, and advocacy for the City of Philadelphia’s World Heritage bid. Committee organizers, Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director of Global Philadelphia Association, and Sylvie Gallier Howard, Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development and Commerce, would like to thank Dan Love of Catering by Design and Al B For Photography for their contribution to the success of the event.