Third Annual World Heritage City Celebration Hosted by Global Philadelphia Association

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 2018) – On Thursday, September 13, 2018, Global Philadelphia Association celebrated its third annual World Heritage City Celebrationat the Crystal Tea Room.

This annual event supports and honors the work being done to carry out Philadelphia’s World Heritage Strategic Plan. The World Heritage City designation advances Philadelphia’s status among international cities. As Philadelphia evolves as a global city, it magnifies the reasons to visit, live, and essentially, do business.

The event's Co-Chairs brought up an interesting point in their opening dialog. "We’re not just talking to global partners, but also having a conversation about this mission at the neighborhood level. Things like neighborhood tourism, business investment and much more.” says President and CEO of DLS International, Dianne Semingson. “We can certainly be proud,” John Fry, President of Drexel University, agreed, “But I don’t think we can be satisfied.” 

Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM and CNN host, was this year’s special keynote speaker. Additional speakers include honorary co-chairs the Honorable Robert P. Casey, U.S. Senator-Pennsylvania, and the Honorable Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia. Celebration co-chairs John Fry, President of Drexel University, and Dianne Semmingson, President and CEO of DLS International, also spoke at this engagement. Secretary General of the Organization of World Heritage Cities, as well as political and international relations specialist, Denis Ricard, was recognized as the special international guest. Sheila Hess, Office of the City Representative, honored Global guests and their World Heritage connection. Also in attendance were several honored guests from other World Heritage cities.

A highlight of the night was the mesmerizing performances by several international entertainers. Among those entertainers were Raices Boriuas a Caribbean and Latin Music Band, Tango dancers from the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School, Bucket Drummers, Philadelphia Sun Lion Dancers, Didgeridoo instrumentalists, and the Lifeline Music Coalition African Drum and Dance Ensemble, all of which showcased authentic traditions from all over the world.

The City of Brotherly Love became the first U.S. city to receive the designation of a World Heritage City (WHC) in 2015, connecting over 280 World Heritage cities across the globe. This year, the tradition continued as Philadelphia celebrates its unique heritages and common bonds by celebrating World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day on September 13. It’s clear there is a reason Philadelphia is the first city to become a World Heritage City, to quote Michael Smerconish from his recently published Philadelphia Inquirer piece, “We are a region of diverse and unique neighbors who reside in a collection of urban neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs.   No one can be rougher on us than ourselves, but deep down we know we have a good thing going here.”

WHC supporting sponsors include Presenting Sponsor SAP and International Sponsor Brandywine Realty Trust. In addition to sponsoring this celebration, the following sixteen organizations have also become three-year investors: American Bible Society, Brandywine Realty Trust, Kosh and Surma Daphtary, Deloitte LLP,Diversified Search, Drexel University, Parkway Corporation, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia International Airport, Poor Richards’ Charitable Trust, John and Susan Smith, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, Villanova University, and University of Pennsylvania/Penn Medicine. To see a full list of sponsors and supporters, visit here.

For more information on the World Heritage City Celebration, visit  their website. If you have questions regarding the event, please contact [email protected]. Connect with Global Philadelphia Association on  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Learn more about the Global Philadelphia Association on their website. For press and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

About Global Philadelphia Association:

The Global Philadelphia Association was founded in 2010 by nine of the leading international organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Region. It has been incorporated as member-governed Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation whose purposes include assisting and encouraging a greater interaction among the many organizations and people who engage in one form or another on international activity with the Greater Philadelphia Region. As well as promote development of an international consciousness with the region and increase the global profile. Today, over 200 organizations, businesses, and internationally-minded individuals have become joint venturers in the Global Philadelphia initiative, and more are joining each month.

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