2026 World Heritage City Celebration Recognizes Leaders’ Legacies
The 2026 World Heritage City Celebration celebrated Philadelphia's 11th year as a World Heritage City, and honored Philadelphia figures for their influence on our city and its global status. It has been a year filled with celebrations for the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, and it remains important to recognize strides that our city, as the birthplace of democracy, has made in establishing our global identity and remaining a leader across international sectors.
In addition to recognizing Philadelphia’s World Heritage City status, Global Philadelphia honored Cecily Tynan, former Chief Meteorologist of 6abc Action News, with the Distinguished Global Journalism Goby Award. Cecily was the first female Chief Meteorologist at the station, and she amassed countless achievements in her 30-plus years there. Her talents and in-depth journalism helped so many Philadelphians and earned the station nationwide praise.
During the evening’s presentations, Cecily sat for a Fireside Chat with Nydia Han, her longtime colleague at 6abc. The two discussed Cecily’s pathway in journalism, her relationship with Philadelphia and its people, and her recent retirement. She shared that receiving the Globy Award and attending the celebration was “a fantastic way to top off her career in a city that [she] really loves."
Global Philadelphia was also able to recognize another change-maker in Philadelphia, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake. During a special presentation, Lorina received a photo book showcasing all of her community work with GPA and other partners in the city. Lorina earned the Corporate Leadership Globy Award in 2023 and also recently retired from Independence Blue Cross. The photo book was a gift in appreciation of the key role she played in so many local communities.
Lorina plans to stay active in those communities now that she is retired, and left the audience with some words of wisdom: “May we all remain committed to building stronger communities, opening up doors of opportunities, and leaving a legacy that makes the path a little easier for those that follow.”
Guests were treated to additional insights and stories from the event co-chairs. The Distinguished Co-Chairs Leslie Ann Miller and Former Mayor Michael Nutter reflected on their work as public servants and the strides that Philadelphia has made thanks to impassioned leadership and organizations. Young Professional Co-Chairs Vanessa Caracoza and Rishaun Hall shared their histories of being brought up in Philadelphia and how they are giving back to the community today. Hall praised “the communities, the cultures, the languages, and the experiences that people bring to these 150 square miles from around the world–” a true testament to the World Heritage status of the city.
A video message from Governor Josh Shapiro underscored the Commonwealth's pride in Philadelphia as the birthplace of American democracy and its first World Heritage City. It was a common sentiment from all presenters that heritage is not only about reflecting on the past, but providing lessons and a better world for those who will come after us. There are so many individuals and groups that continue to make Philadelphia a better place, that not all could possibly be recognized in one evening.
As Vanessa Caracoza put it in her address as Young Professional Co-Chair, “Philadelphia’s significance isn’t only rooted in the history that happened here, it is also reflected in the people shaping the city today and in the connections we carry to the communities and cultures around the world.” This is what the World Heritage City Celebration is all about. We recognize our heritage as an ongoing story and a goal to continue achieving. There is no other city in the world like Philadelphia, and that is why our role as a World Heritage City is so important– the world can experience our heritage, and our people can encounter the world.
Global Philadelphia extends our thanks to the performers, BollywoodTech Philly, Philly Bomba Plena, and Medgina; our Heritage, International, and Community sponsors; our investors; the Celebration Committee; and our Board of Directors for their contributions to the 2026 World Heritage City Celebration. We hope to see you at the upcoming Globy Awards Luncheon in December.
