Saint-Louis Elected to the Board of the Organization of World Heritage Cities
The historic city of Saint-Louis in Morocco has made a significant stride by being elected to the board of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). This momentous decision was reached during a vote held on Wednesday, October 28, marking the third day of the 18th World Congress of the organization, which convened in Marrakech. Notably, Saint-Louis stands out as the only African city to hold a seat on this prestigious board, which comprises eight mayors from around the globe. This election allows Saint-Louis to represent the African continent's interests, particularly in discussions surrounding the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable management of world heritage cities.
The municipal authorities view this board membership as a vital opportunity to bolster international cooperation for the city. It enables them to share experiences, mobilize partners, and promote the New Urban Project advocated by the OWHC. The mayor of Saint-Louis, Amadou Mansour Faye, was featured in the agenda for the first session of the symposium on Tuesday, where he engaged with mayors from Quebec, Cordoba, and Dubrovnik.
Marrakech Congress Focuses on Urban Development for Historic Centers
The Marrakech congress, themed "The New Urban Project of the OWHC for Historic Centers," consists of a symposium and the 29th General Assembly of its members. This program, the result of several years of collaborative efforts among member cities, champions a vision of the historic center as the cultural, social, and economic heart of 21st-century cities. It aims to address contemporary challenges while providing a livable environment. The General Assembly is scheduled to adopt the 2027-2030 strategy, the 2027-2028 action plan, and the 2027 budget of the organization on Thursday, October 29, 2026, alongside electing its president and designating the host city for the 2028 congress.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Quebec, Canada, the OWHC is an international non-governmental organization that unites mayors of cities with sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It is governed by a General Assembly and a board of directors, managed by a general secretariat supported by five regional secretariats. It is noteworthy that the island of Saint-Louis has been recognized as a World Heritage site since 2000.
As reported by ndarinfo.com.
