San Antonio Elected to Organization of World Heritage Cities Board

Published on October 04, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (October 4, 2024) — The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office is proud to announce the election of San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg to the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) Board of Directors 2025 - 2026. The announcement was made during the 17th OWHC World Congress, which took place September 24 to 27, 2024, in Cordoba, Spain. 

“I am incredibly honored to have been elected to serve as the newest board member of the OWHC,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. “This honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the City of San Antonio in not only preserving our heritage, but in also improving our city for the benefit of our residents through affordable housing, workforce development and combatting climate change. This organization allows us to share our common challenges and solutions while showcasing what our city has to offer on a global scale. I look forward to representing San Antonio and contributing to the important work of the OWHC.” 

The OWHC, an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization, serves as a platform for cooperation among the mayors of cities that have a World Heritage site within their urban environment. San Antonio has been a member of the OWHC since 2015.

“It is a tremendous privilege for San Antonio to be chosen as part of the OWHC Board,” said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran. “This role presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with distinguished leaders who value our global heritage while addressing the intricacies of urban development with a sustainable approach.” 

San Antonio is one of over 200 cities from across the globe that have a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List within their city boundaries. The OWHC Board of Directors, headquartered in Quebec City, Canada, comprises eight Mayors from eight member cities elected by the General Assembly every two years at the OWHC World Congresses.

“We are proud to be a member of the OWHC Board of Directors, said Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office. “Since joining the OWHC, San Antonio has focused on a coordinated and collaborative approach to balancing the present and future challenges of the city’s growth while preserving what makes us unique through the implementation of a World Heritage work plan developed with community input.”

San Antonio remains committed to protecting and embracing the city’s rich cultural identity and heritage through its collaboration and support of projects such as the Alamo Master Plan and dedicated efforts to invest in the city’s southside with the construction of the World Heritage Center. These efforts focus on enhancing public spaces, promoting local arts and culture, history and heritage, and advancing economic development. The five historic San Antonio Missions remain integral parts of the community and collectively enrich the lives of its residents and visitors alike, fostering a vibrant and inclusive urban area. 

2025 – 2027 Board of Directors Cities:

• San Antonio, USA
• Cordoba, Spain
• Angra do Heroismo, Portugal
• Brugge, Belgium
• Quebec City, Canada - President 
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Cuenca, Ecuador
• Krakow, Poland 

More information on the Organization of World Heritage Cities at OVPM.org.