World Heritage City Celebration
On September 3, 2025, we celebrate a decade of global connection, local pride, and transformative milestones at the 10th annual World Heritage City Celebration. This moment marks more than an anniversary—it honors the journey of Philadelphia since its historic designation in 2015 as America’s first World Heritage City. With that title came a powerful responsibility: to uplift our heritage, amplify our global voice, and expand the ever-growing circle of cultural exchange, sustainability, and civic pride. The celebration is a tribute to our city's place in the world and the world’s place in our city.
Each year since our designation, the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) has helped turn this vision into action—supporting cultural preservation, fostering international partnerships, and connecting Philadelphia’s rich past to its bold, inclusive future. Through collaborative projects like the SDG murals, citywide events, and educational outreach, GPA has brought heritage to life in schools and neighborhoods across the city. The celebration is a reflection of this momentum—an evening to honor those who turn global thinking into community impact.
Our 2025 Distinguished Global Leadership Honoree, David L. Cohen
David L. Cohen is a distinguished American lawyer, diplomat, and business executive who served as the United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021-2025.
Prior to his diplomatic role, he held prominent positions in the private sector, including Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Corporation. Known for his expertise in law, public policy, and corporate affairs, Cohen has also played a significant role in civic engagement and philanthropic initiatives. His career reflects a deep commitment to fostering cross-border relationships, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
Purchase a Ticket
Join us in celebrating 10 years of Philadelphia as a World Heritage City — secure your ticket today!
Become a Sponsor
Invest in Philadelphia's Future as a Sponsor of the 10th Annual 2025 World Heritage City Celebration. Become a sponsor today and showcase your commitment to global connection and local impact! Spotlight your company at Philadelphia’s premier international event. Click below to view all of the WHCC sponsorship options. Click on the level directly to purchase a sponsorship.
Contact:
Zabeth Teelucksingh | [email protected]
Camila Lopes | [email protected]
Celebration Co-Chairs
Madeline Bell
Chief Executive Officer of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Daniel J. Hilferty
Chairman & CEO of Comcast Spectacor
Young Professional Co-Chairs
Martin Alfaro
Founder & CEO, Alfaro Media Consulting
read his bio
Pailyn Singhapakdi
President, Preserve St. Peter's
The Pillars of Our World Heritage City
GPA’s annual World Heritage City Celebration is a night to join together, revel in the year’s accomplishments, and honor an outstanding individual who has enriched our community.
You can expect a five-star evening, build your network, and get inspired by exceptional leaders. You’ll also fuel GPA’s efforts to grow the World Heritage City project by:
Preserving and Celebrating Historical and Cultural Assets
Educating Global Kids with Roots
Building World Heritage City Awareness and Ownership
Extending Philadelphia’s Global Reach
Network as a Young Professional
As a networking organization, GPA is constantly building relationships with younger leaders in Philadelphia who work towards improving the City and promoting GPA’s mission. GPA establishes connections with Philadelphia’s leaders and organizations to promote the City’s World Heritage status and bring awareness to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
This network serves as a collaborative team of GPA affiliated community leaders who have taken their talents to new heights in their careers.
WHCC Committee Members
Andrew Bergman, Philadelphia OIC
Barry Eiswerth, GPA Board Member/Architect
Christina Arlt, McCormick Taylor
Christine Pfister, Consular Corps member
Daecia Borgia, Visit Philadelphia
Daisy Van Hoof Mertens, Consular Corps member
David Boardman, Temple University
David Dix, Luminous Strategies
David Kron, The Kron & Polis Financial Group
Dianne Semingson, DLS International Inc.
Divy Agnihotri, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Scheryl Glanton, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS
Harold Yaffe, GPA Board Member/Dentist
Jennifer Rodríguez, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
John Smith, GPA Chair Emeritus and Senior Counselor
Kyra G. McGrath, New Ventures and Enterprises at WHYY
Layla El-Tannir, The Welcoming Center
Leslie Anne Miller, Legal Professional
Loree Jones, Philabundance
Matthew Ray, Chatterblast
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Richard Lee, Media Copy
Rob and Karen McNeill, Deloitte
Samar Jha, AARP
Senzwa M. Ntshepe, The Connect
Sheila Hess, Phambassadors
Susan Jacobson, Jacobson Strategic
Toyin Ogunfolaju, Jacobs
Val Gay, Creative Philadelphia
Celebration Sponsors
International
World Heritage
Heritage
Community
Patron
Media Partners
