About OWHC

Context

Created in 1993, the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) is headquartered in Quebec City, Canada. It is administered by the General Secretariat, supported by five (5) Regional Secretariats, and governed by the General Assembly, made up of the mayors of member cities in good standing, and by the Board of Directors, made up of eight (8) mayors.

As an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization, the OWHC is a political platform for cooperation between the mayors of cities whose territory includes a UNESCO World Heritage site.

OWHC's Mission

For the OWHC, historic cities are at the heart of the changes to come; world heritage cities, which share the privilege of defending the universal values of humanity and protecting an exceptional heritage, have a duty to be role models and assert a bold vision for the future.

With this in mind, the OWHC is taking specific action to:

• Help individual member cities to better understand the complexity of today's challenges.

• Support member cities in expressing their legitimate aspirations regarding their future and their contribution to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

The 2022-2024 Action Plan as a driver for change

To fulfill this mission, the action plan adopted by the 25th General Assembly (September 2022) features various programs designed to:

• Raise awareness of the social and economic value of urban heritage among local players (elected representatives, experts, residents.

• Promote the exchange of information and experience.

• Engage cities in exploration through concrete action at the grassroots level.

Visit ovpm.org to know everything about the OWHC.