GPA Celebrates A Decade of World Heritage City Status with 2025 World Heritage City Celebration
2025 marks 10 years since Philadelphia earned its designation as the first World Heritage City in the United States. No event has better emphasized the strides that Philadelphia has made in strengthening its global presence or the leadership that has supported its heritage within the past decade than the annual World Heritage City Celebration (WHCC). This year’s WHCC took place on September 3rd, 2025.
The night brought city leaders, business partners, young professionals, and friends of GPA together to commemorate Philadelphia’s World Heritage City status, inform about recent initiatives, recognize difference-makers, and treat guests to a wonderful meal and a beautiful setting. As is tradition, the event was held in the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building, a National Historic Landmark and a perfect space to showcase the city’s heritage and leadership.
A special feeling filled the room, as the 10th anniversary was a momentous milestone to celebrate. Many attendees were key figures in helping Philadelphia earn the World Heritage City designation in 2015 and the atmosphere buzzed with pride in our city. Young Professional Co-Chair Martin Alfaro felt that “while past celebrations were powerful, this one carried an extra sense of reflection and momentum, as it honored the legacy of the past 10 years while also looking toward the future.”
GPA was honored to have Lorraine Ballard Morrill emcee the event and offer heartfelt introductions for each esteemed speaker. GPA President Zabeth Teelucksingh and Board Chair Rob McNeill proudly welcomed guests, thanked others for their contributions to the association, and described recent efforts and upcoming projects. Pailyn Singhaapakdi and Martin Alfaro, Young Professional Co-Chairs, as well as Madeline Bell and Daniel J. Hilferty, Celebration Co-Chairs, spoke about GPA’s influence and fulfillment of goals in Philadelphia, as well as their personal connections to the city and why they became involved in the nonprofit sector.
Along with commemorating Philadelphia’s World Heritage City designation and describing GPA’s highlights from the past year, the event celebrated an individual that has had a special impact on the city and helped to bolster its international influence. GPA presented Former United States Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen with the Globy Award for Distinguished Global Leadership for his endeavors during his recent diplomatic role.
A Philadelphia native, Cohen served as a United States Ambassador and lived in Canada from 2021 to 2025, working tirelessly to strengthen Canada-United States relations and meanwhile promoting Philadelphia as a destination for business and trade.
Amidst boisterous support from the audience, Cohen took to the stage to accept the award and speak about his experiences during the fireside chat, hosted by NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, a former Globy Awardee for Distinguished Journalism. The deep discussion covered topics from diplomacy to travel, and how the former ambassador challenged negative perceptions that emerged between Canada and the United States, firmly believing in Former President Biden’s claim that “the United States has no better friend, partner, or ally than Canada.”
It was clear how David L. Cohen’s work as a United States Ambassador and his prior experience in business, law, nonprofits, and city government made him a worthy representative of Philadelphia’s global heritage and an exemplary awardee for Distinguished Global Leadership. “David values diversity and has put that into practice throughout his career,” stated Mayor Cherelle Parker. “We appreciate [him] here in the city of Philadelphia. [His] leadership will forever have an impact, not only in government, but in all of our communities.”
Cohen accepted the award and congratulations humbly. “Honors aside, it was a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the prestige and meaning of Philadelphia being designated as a World Heritage City,” expressed Cohen. “It was also a pleasure to be among friends… and to highlight the work of the Global Philadelphia Association.”
Former Governor Ed Rendell, Mayor Cherelle Parker, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and City Representative Jazelle Jones offered their own demonstrations of congratulations for David L. Cohen on stage, and celebrated GPA’s event and accomplishments with fervor.
The essence of brotherly love and sisterly affection resounded as guests chatted and mutual appreciation was shared on stage throughout the night. Community and partnerships are not only main components of GPA’s efforts, but in Philadelphia as a whole, and this event brought people together. Sharon Manker, Founder and CEO of the Philadelphia-based Manker Group, was “grateful for the chance to connect with so many local business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and passionate advocates who gathered to network and celebrate Philadelphia’s place on the world stage. Events like these remind us that collaboration is the heartbeat of progress.”
GPA extends our appreciation to all speakers, partners, sponsors, and attendees of this year’s World Heritage City Celebration, and we look forward to seeing you next year.
