A Night to Remember: Celebrating Philadelphia's Ninth Year as a World Heritage City
The ninth annual World Heritage City Celebration (WHCC), held on September 5th, 2024, brought together leaders, young professionals, international visitors, and community members in Center City Philadelphia to celebrate the city’s global heritage. The historic Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building served as the perfect backdrop for this year’s gathering.
Philadelphia, recognized as America’s first World Heritage City, celebrated its accomplishments and honored Daniel Hilferty for his contributions to the community. Hilferty received the Globy Award for Distinguished Global Leadership, acknowledging his impact on Philadelphia through healthcare, sports, and civic initiatives. During a fireside chat with Bill Marrazzo, President and CEO of WHYY, Hilferty discussed leadership, community engagement, and the city’s future, reflecting on organizing major events like the Pope’s 2015 visit, the Democratic National Convention in 2016, and expressed excitement about what lies ahead in 2026. He emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong team that “highlights your strengths and addresses your weaknesses.”
In addition to the inspiring fireside chat and Globy presentation, Young Professional Co-Chairs Andrew Bergman (Chief Advancement Officer at OIC Philadelphia) and Daecia-jamè Borgia (Visitor Appeal Manager at Visit Philadelphia) delivered energizing speeches about their professional roles in Philadelphia. Their speeches underscored the importance of our shared mission towards Philadelphia's past, present, and future, and celebrated the city’s rich legacy.
“From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the formulation of the Sullivan Principles, Philadelphia has consistently been at the forefront of movements that shape the world. Our designation as America's first World Heritage City in 2015 is a testament to this legacy,” said Bergman.
“We are ready to show the world what we have always known: Philadelphia is a city like no other. Our heritage is not just something we preserve; it is something we live every day,” remarked Borgia.
Many young professionals from GPA’s Young Professional Network (YPN) also attended, making the event a unique networking opportunity. The World Heritage City Celebration was a notable occasion for the YPN to connect with influential community leaders.
We also extend our thanks to distinguished event Co-Chairs Yocasta Lora, State Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement at AARP Pennsylvania, and Anatoli Murha, CEO of Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union. Their joint speech discussed Philadelphia's rich culture and their personal experiences of finding a home in the city, capturing why Philadelphia was chosen as a World Heritage City.
For entertainment, Global Philadelphia was delighted to feature skilled performers celebrating their cultures. Flutist Elle Gyandoh serenaded guests as they entered the Crystal Ballroom. The Modero Indonesian Dance Company impressed with their Indonesian dance, adding a vibrant energy to the WHCC. The evening was further enhanced by "Pasha" The Stilt Walker, whose extraordinary performance captivated the audience. GPA was thrilled to showcase this remarkable art form at the WHCC.
Global Philadelphia thanks everyone who contributed to the success of the ninth World Heritage City Celebration. Dan Hilferty’s Chief of Staff praised the event's organization, saying, “I have worked with numerous non-profits on such events. Yours was one of the best organized ever, every step of the process.”
GPA looks forward to future collaborations and initiatives that will continue to highlight Philadelphia's significance on the global stage. The WHCC would not have been possible without the support of all attendees, the hard work of Philadelphia leaders, and generous sponsors. Thank you once again for your support and participation in celebrating our World Heritage City status.
