On March 24-25, 2014, Mr. Denis Ricard, Secretary General of the OWHC, went to Philadelphia and met representatives of the City of Philadelphia and representatives of the Global Philadelphia Association.

This meeting has been organized at the request of the City of Philadelphia and is a direct consequence of an initiative to make Philadelphia the first World Heritage City in the U.S. In addition to visiting the Independence Hall and attending an evening reception, Mr. Ricard had the opportunity to discuss the future steps and challenges that Philadelphia might encounter sooner or later.

“As an Observer Member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities, the City of Philadelphia was proud to host Secretary-General Denis Ricard and to display much of the historic and modern heritage that our city has to offer,” said Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the OWHC over the coming months and years as we showcase Philadelphia as one of the world’s great heritage cities.”

“The Global Philadelphia Association, representing Philadelphia’s international community, has formed a unique public-private partnership with the City to assist it in pursuing full membership in the OWHC,” said John Smith, an attorney with the global law firm Reed Smith LLP and the Association’s Board Chair. “By helping to articulate Philadelphia’s historical and cultural heritage and its international significance, we believe that a strong case can be made for that membership.”

As of Mr. Ricard, he foresees a bright future for the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) in U.S. as well as for Philadelphia into the OWHC. ‘’This was an impressive visit in Philadelphia! This city definitely has a rich history and a rich culture! However, I must say that I’m even more impressed by the dynamism and the leadership shown by Mr. Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia, by Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor, Director of Commerce, and Executive Director of the City Planning Commission, by the city’s administration and by the Global Philadelphia Association. The actions taken so far by the OWHC and by the City of Philadelphia will definitely serve as a model for the expansion of our organization throughout U.S. and the rest of the world, in cities that possess a similar socio-political context.’’

Finally, one must know that from the year 2012, the Global Philadelphia Association, under the leadership of Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director, started its work so that Philadelphia would become a World Heritage City. In mid-September 2013, the city became an observer member of the OWHC. As of today, Global Philadelphia is still continuing its efforts.

About Philadelphia
Please click HERE and HERE.

About the Global Philadelphia Association
The Global Philadelphia Association was funded in 2010 by nine of the leading international organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Region. It is a member-governed Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation whose purposes are :
• To assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in one form or another of international activity within the Greater Philadelphia Region;
• To promote the development of an international consciousness within the Region;
• To enhance the Region’s global profile.

Today, more than 135 organizations, businesses, and internationally-minded individuals have become joint venturers in the Global Philadelphia initiative. For more information, visit www.globalphiladelphia.org

About the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC)
Founded on September 8, 1993, in Fez, Morocco, the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) is composed more than 250 cities having on their territory a site inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. The main objectives of the OWHC are: the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, to encourage cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise relating to the conservation and management of heritage; to develop a sense of solidarity among its member cities.

Information :
Xavier Turcotte Savoie
Programs Administrator
Organization of World Heritage Cities
[email protected]