The Organization of World Heritage Cities family mourns the loss of its founder and most fervent supporter, Mayor Jean-Paul L’Allier. As Mayor of Quebec City, Mr. L’Allier gathered the Mayors of 41 World Heritage Cities from all over the globe in 1991 to lay the foundations for the creation of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in 1993.

He served as President of the OWHC from its founding until 1999, the first and longest serving President of the Organization.

His vision of creating a network to assist cities in meeting the challenges of having World Heritage status resonated throughout the world and resulted in an Organization that has achieved substantive relevance in the conservation and management of cultural heritage.

Through the years Mr. L’Allier remained an invaluable adviser to the OWHC. His wisdom and guidance were crucial in the resolution of many issues. He will be greatly missed.

We offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife, Johanne Mongeau, and his children.