World Heritage City Celebration
Celebrate America's first World Heritage City on September 5, 2024 with the Global Philadelphia Association.
Why do we celebrate Philadelphia as a World Heritage City? Yes, being America’s first World Heritage City is a boost for Philadelphia’s business, culture, and tourism. But there’s more to it than that.
The World Heritage City designation recognizes Philadelphia’s seminal role in modern democracy and significant cultural assets. But the title isn’t an end in itself. Instead, it’s the center of an ever-expanding circle.
Each year, Philadelphia works with other World Heritage Cities to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The goal is to be positive, sustainable change models for all cities.
It’s not just about government, though. It’s about bringing people together. Every year, our Global Events Calendar is filled with local heritage and cultural events presented by organizations large and small, including GPA.
We celebrate all of that: the energy that creates the events, and the energy that comes back out, doubled. Together, we expand the circle across Greater Philadelphia.
Of course, the influence of the WHC designation travels, and we celebrate that too. Enter cultural exchanges, visiting professors, new business opportunities, and cities sharing valuable knowledge. So the circle expands further, across borders, across oceans.
So when we come together for the annual World Heritage City Celebration, it’s not just about the past. We recognize all those who strive to extend our heritage, creating a brighter future for Philadelphia and our global partners.
Announcing Our 2024 Distinguished Global Leadership Honoree, Daniel J. Hilferty
Daniel J. Hilferty is the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Spectacor and serves as Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers for the National Hockey League. Widely respected as a passionate, dedicated leader in Philadelphia and beyond, Dan directly oversees the company’s full portfolio, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Wells Fargo Center, Spectacor Gaming, and more.
Hilferty joined Comcast Spectacor after leading Philadelphia’s successful bid to be a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and continues to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. The 501c3 non-profit organization will serve as the governing body for the city's Host Committee.
Purchase a Ticket / Become a Sponsor
Interested in purchasing a ticket for the celebration? Choose an option below.
Our celebration has four sponsorship levels. Download the flyer below to learn more about the benefits of each level.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Elizabeth Blair, our Event Sponsorship Manager, at [email protected].
The Pillars of Our World Heritage City
GPA’s annual World Heritage City Celebration is a night to join together, revel in the year’s accomplishments, and honor an outstanding individual who has enriched our community.
You can expect a five-star evening, build your network, and get inspired by exceptional leaders. You’ll also fuel GPA’s efforts to grow the World Heritage City project by:
Preserving and Celebrating Historical and Cultural Assets
Educating Global Kids with Roots
Building World Heritage City Awareness and Ownership
Extending Philadelphia’s Global Reach
Co-Chairs
Yocasta Lora
State Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, AARP Pennsylvania's Associate
Anatoli Murha
Chief Executive Officer, Ukrainian Selfreliance FCU
Young Professional Co-Chairs
Daecia Borgia
Visitor Appeal Manager, Visit Philly
Andrew Bergman
Chief Advancement Officer, OIC Philadelphia
2023 WHCC: A Tribute to Philadelphia's Heritage
Listen to Philadelphia residents, workers, leaders, and colleagues pay tribute to "a citizen of the world" and our 2023 awardee.
Network as a Young Professional
As a networking organization, GPA is constantly building relationships with younger leaders in Philadelphia who work towards improving the City and promoting GPA’s mission. GPA establishes connections with Philadelphia’s leaders and organizations to promote the City’s World Heritage status and bring awareness to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
This network serves as a collaborative team of GPA affiliated community leaders who have taken their talents to new heights in their careers.
Young Professional Co-Chairs will be announced soon!
2024 Celebration Sponsors
World Heritage Sponsors
Heritage Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Media Partners
For more information, contact:
Zabeth Teelucksingh | [email protected]
Elizabeth Blair | [email protected]
Celebration Committee Members
- Paresh Birla, Chairman/President, Council of Indian Organizations in Greater Philadelphia
- Ann and David Brownlee
- Christina Chepel, Director, MFR Consultants
- Anne and Barry Eiswerth
- Layla El Tannir, Director of Entrepreneurship, The Welcoming Center
- Tammie and Ken Fulmer, President and CEO, Urban Engineers
- Val Gay, Creative Entrepreneur + Consultant, Val Gay, LLC, Spector
- Scheryl Glanton, Investment Advisor, Berkshire Hathaway
- Maurice Goodman, Senior Consultant, Gordon Policy Group LLC
- Sheila Hess, City of Philadelphia, Former City Representative
- Devon Johnston, Experience Coordinator, One Liberty Place
- Jabari Jones, President, West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative
- Rob McNeill, Senior Partner, Deloitte and GPA Board Chair
- Jeanette Nguyen, AVP Business Banking, Bank of America
- Toyin Ogunfolaju, Director of Social Value and Equity, Jacobs’
- Ernest Owens, CEO, Ernest Media Empire
- Christine Pfister, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Switzerland in Philadelphia
- Kejsi Shahaj, GPLEX Director, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
- Janice Sykes-Ross, President, Paul Robeson House
- Susan and John Smith
- Javier Suarez, Executive Director, Live Work Philadelphia
- Edward Thome, CEO & Executive Director, Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation
- Andy Toy, Policy Director, PACDC
- Edgar Vesgas, Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services, Philadelphia International Airport
- Emily Wang, Realtor Century21
- Brianna Westbrooks, Government Relations Associate, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
- Amy Ricci, Executive Director, Historic Rittenhouse Town
- Linda and Harold Yaffe