World Heritage City Celebration

On September 3, 2025, we celebrated a decade of global connection, local pride, and transformative milestones at the 10th annual World Heritage City Celebration. This moment marked more than an anniversary—it honors the journey of Philadelphia since its historic designation in 2015 as America’s first World Heritage City. With that title came a powerful responsibility: to uplift our heritage, amplify our global voice, and expand the ever-growing circle of cultural exchange, sustainability, and civic pride. The celebration is a tribute to our city's place in the world and the world’s place in our city. 10 year logo

Each year since our designation, the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) has helped turn this vision into action—supporting cultural preservation, fostering international partnerships, and connecting Philadelphia’s rich past to its bold, inclusive future. Through collaborative projects like the SDG murals, citywide events, and educational outreach, GPA has brought heritage to life in schools and neighborhoods across the city. The celebration is a reflection of this momentum—an evening to honor those who turn global thinking into community impact.

Thank you for attending the 2025 celebration!

Thank you for joining us on September 3rd, 2025 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Philadelphia’s designation as the first World Heritage City in the United States and to honor Ambassador David L. Cohen with the Globy Award for Distinguished Global Leadership.

It was a privilege to reflect on this important milestone together—one that highlights Philadelphia’s role as a crossroads of history, culture, and international connection.

Our World Heritage City

Celebration Photos

Our 2025 Distinguished Global Leadership Honoree, David L. Cohen

David L. Cohen is a distinguished American lawyer, diplomat, and business executive who served as the United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021-2025.

Prior to his diplomatic role, he held prominent positions in the private sector, including Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Corporation. Known for his expertise in law, public policy, and corporate affairs, Cohen has also played a significant role in civic engagement and philanthropic initiatives. His career reflects a deep commitment to fostering cross-border relationships, innovation, and inclusive leadership.

Read his bio

A decade of heritage, pride, and progress—Philadelphia’s World Heritage journey continues, stronger than ever.

Celebration Co-Chairs

Madeline Bell, Chief Executive Officer of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Daniel J. Hilferty, Chairman & CEO of Comcast Spectacor

Young Professional Co-Chairs

Pailyn Singhapakdi, President, Preserve St. Peter's

Martin Alfaro, Founder & CEO, Alfaro Media Consulting

Meet the Emcee, Loraine Ballard Morrill

Loraine Ballard Morrill is News and Community Affairs Director for iHeartMedia Philadelphia, overseeing six stations and hosting award-winning public affairs programs. She has led her stations to multiple National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards for community service. Honored with numerous civic and media awards, she was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2024.

Red Hawk Indigenous Arts Council

The Redhawk Native American Arts Council is a not for profit organization founded and maintained by Native American artists and educators serving the tristate area. Since 1994, the Council is dedicated to educating the general public about Native American heritage through song, dance, theater, works of art and other cultural forms of expression. The council represents artists from North, South, Central American, Caribbean and Polynesian Indigenous cultures.

Global Philadelphia was pleased to welcome them as performers for the celebration!

More about the Red Hawk Council

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

Our Fireside Chat Host, Andrea Mitchell

Andrea Mitchell is NBC News’ Chief Washington and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent. A veteran political correspondent, Mitchell has covered every presidential campaign since 1980 as well as reporting on national security issues across all NBC News platforms.

Read her full bio