Philadelphia Named America's First World Heritage City

Huge news, Philadelphia! Philadelphia is the country’s first World Heritage City — largely thanks to the global significance of UNESCO World Heritage site Independence Hall. (Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia)

Fact: There are 266 World Heritage Cities around in the world, but not one in the United States — until now.

As of today, Friday, November 6, the City of Philadelphia is the first World Heritage City in the entire United States.

The culminating step in a two-year initiative pursued by Mayor Michael Nutter and the City, the decision came down today via a vote at the 13th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Arequipa, Peru.

In 2013, Philadelphia became the first American city to be an approved observer member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities. This year, the World Heritage Philadelphia executive committee submitted an application to become a full member.

As the home of Independence Hall, an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, and the city where democracy was established to form the United States of America, Philadelphia’s qualifications to join the ranks of heritage cities needs little justification.

Today, the General Assembly of the OWHC’s World Congress agreed, naming Philadelphia the first World Heritage City in the United States.

Now, Philadelphia takes its place alongside Paris, Rome, Cairo, Tel-Aviv, Quebec and the other global World Heritage Cities — all cities that are home to sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage list and critical to world culture.

For information about the Organization of World Heritage Cities, check right here. www.ovpm.org.

With today’s designation, Philadelphia earns not only an amazing celebration of its part in world history, but also an impressive addition to its list of American firsts.

MORE INFO:

Organization of World Heritage Cities: Philadelphia, United States [Organization of World Heritage Cities]

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As the home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979, Philadelphia made a natural selection as America’s first World Heritage City. Part of Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell Center exercises freedom from admission fees. (Photo by D. Cruz for Visit Philadelphia)

Source: Kristina Jenkins, www.uwishunu.com

Travelore News: Philadelphia To Become First World Heritage City in U.S.

STEVEN VONA

The World Heritage City distinction would put Philadelphia on an even bigger world map.

Philadelphia is on track to receive a World Heritage City designation this year, which would make it the only U.S. city to have such a distinction.

There are about 270 cities on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage Cities program, but none are in the United States.

That could change with a vote at the XIII World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Arequipa in Peru on Nov. 6, when Philadelphia could become the country's first

"Some have said it's almost like a Sister Cities 

program on steroids," said Zabeth Teelucksingh, executive director of the Global Philadelphia Association, who added it appears likely Philly will make the list.

"We're told that it's 95 percent," said Teelucksingh, who explained more sites are added each year during the annual meeting.

The positive prediction, however, is not keeping the nonprofit, dedicated to enhancing the region's international profile, from doing what it can to 

ensure the designation.

"We're actively working as if it weren't," Teelucksingh said.

Active work includes the Philadelphia Orchestra visiting and meeting with representatives in six World Heritage cities this month, including Vienna, Austria, and Lyon, France. The University of Pennsylvania is also developing a World Heritage curriculum.

Hopes are higher this year for Philadelphia since the United States' interest in the UNESCO brand was reignited recently as the U.N. designated the San Antonio Missions in Texas, which includes the Alamo, as World Heritage sites.

The designation would be a boon for Philadelphia, likely increasing travel and business in the city, Teelucksingh said.

"It's a global thing; it's automatically international," she said. "It's like being part of a brand that's automatically global."

Philly has already built its platform as a stage for international events, including Pope Francis's visit in September during the World Meeting of Families.

Teelucksingh said Philadelphia's status as the sole American city on the list could last for many years since it's the only U.S. city qualified since Independence Hall is already a World Heritage Site.

Once the November vote makes it official, Global Philadelphia will make the most of the designation.

"The plan after the event is to have a communication strategy where the World Heritage designation doesn't just sit on a shelf, but becomes something that's realistically used by the city," Teelucksingh said

Contributed by Kenneth Hilario

Philadelphia Business Journal