Every September 8, we celebrate together the founding of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). More than just an anniversary, it is an invitation to recognize the richness of our network and the ongoing commitment of each of our member cities. Their energy, ideas, and daily actions bring our common mission to life: to preserve and enhance heritage while improving the quality of life for residents of historic centers.

This day also reminds us that we are united by the conviction that heritage is an essential resource for building and imagining new ways of creating cities. Our cities share similar challenges, but above all, they share the same desire to find common solutions to today’s major social and environmental issues.

Today, we are at a turning point. With the New Urban Project to be adopted at the World Congress in Marrakech in 2026, the OWHC is close to achieving the goal it set itself in 2022. This major objective is above all the result of collaboration between our members: it draws on their experiences, statements, and creativity to propose a common strategy for making our heritage cities habitable, sustainable, and resilient.

On this OWHC Day, let us celebrate the strength of our network and the role of each city in writing this new page in our collective history. Thank you to all our member cities for their commitment and trust. Together, let us continue to build this renewed and forward-looking OWHC.

Happy OWHC Day to all!

If your city has organized activities to mark the day and highlight OWHC and the importance of your heritage, please send them to Mr. Jules Morel, Communications Project Officer, at [email protected].