Celebrating a Decade as North America’s First World Heritage City
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Philadelphia’s designation as North America’s first World Heritage City, the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) hosted a commemorative Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall, followed by a community reception at the historic Masonic Temple. This milestone event honored a decade of global recognition, community engagement, and civic pride that this prestigious designation has brought to the City of Brotherly Love.
The celebration welcomed a diverse audience of residents, civic and community leaders, World Heritage Week partners, and GPA Board members. Together, they reflected on the significance of the World Heritage City designation, a title that continues to shape Philadelphia’s identity and elevate its international profile.
A dynamic lineup of speakers—including elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and cultural stewards—offered their reflections and future visions:
- Zabeth Teelucksingh, President, Global Philadelphia Association
- Rob McNeill, Board Chair, Global Philadelphia Association
- Jazelle Jones, City Representative, City of Philadelphia
- Marilou Ehrler, Chief of Resource Stewardship & UNESCO Coordinator, National Park Service of Philadelphia
- Paul Steinke, Executive Director, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
- Thomas Young, President & CEO, World Trade Center Philadelphia
- Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
- Valerie Gay, Chief Cultural Officer, Creative Philadelphia
- Michael A. Nutter, Former Mayor, City of Philadelphia
The program also featured a moving artistic performance by Lauren Putty White, whose work captured the spirit of unity and creative energy that defines Philadelphia.
Speakers emphasized the broad-reaching impact of the World Heritage City designation—from promoting tourism and supporting economic development to fostering cultural inclusion and strengthening historic preservation. A few especially memorable reflections included:
“When we talk about community and world heritage, it talks about improving quality of life when we all come together.”
— Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
“What this designation means is that Philadelphia is a world-class city… It celebrates the people – each and every one of us – and what makes us different, and what makes our city greater.”
— Krista Bard
“For a decade, this designation has connected us to a global network of cities that cherish culture, heritage, and humanity.”
— Jazelle Jones
“Our city is one of a kind—a creative hub where global ideas flourish and history runs deep. To walk the streets of Philadelphia is to time travel.”
— Valerie Gay
This year’s event took on added significance as part of World Heritage Week, a joyful, citywide celebration held during the last week of May. Anchored by World Heritage Day—officially proclaimed by the City of Philadelphia to take place on the fourth Thursday of the month—this week showcases the city’s rich international heritages through a diverse series of programs and events. Residents and visitors alike are invited to engage with Philadelphia’s global story.
GPA, in close partnership with the City of Philadelphia and the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC), facilitates and promotes these celebrations. The OWHC, established in 1993 and headquartered in Quebec City, Canada, is a nonprofit, non-governmental international organization that unites cities with UNESCO World Heritage sites. Through cooperation and shared stewardship, it promotes the protection and development of heritage for future generations. Solidarity Day of World Heritage Cities—celebrated on the same day as Philadelphia’s World Heritage City Celebration in September—reinforces this mission globally.
The Global Philadelphia Association extends its heartfelt thanks to all who made this celebration meaningful. Deep appreciation goes to the Masonic Temple for generously providing a historic and beautiful space, to the City of Philadelphia for its steadfast partnership, and to media partners who amplified the message across our region.
World Heritage Week reminds us of the power of shared history to bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity, and inspire civic pride. Philadelphia remains committed to honoring its past while building a more inclusive and globally connected future. With continued public-private collaboration and community involvement, the city stands as a model of cultural richness, resilience, and international significance—an exemplary World Heritage City for the next decade and beyond.
