The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bamberg is sending a strong message of solidarity and commitment to other World Heritage Sites around the world. On the occasion of the Organisation of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) Solidarity Day, the World Heritage flag was hoisted at the historic Old Town Hall. "With this action we set a visible sign of solidarity and shared responsibility", says Lord Mayor Andreas Starke.

The OWHC Solidarity Day, which is celebrated annually on 8 September, serves to raise awareness of the importance of World Heritage and to promote worldwide cooperation to protect and preserve these unique sites.

With this action, the "Old Town of Bamberg", part of the Heritage of Humanity since 1993, actively participates in the global commitment to protect and appreciate World Heritage. Mayor Andreas Starke emphasised the importance of this action: "Bamberg is proud to be part of the international World Heritage family and to show solidarity with other cultural sites. We know our responsibility for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage."

A special connection to the OWHC is also indicated when one takes a look at the year 1993: Exactly 30 years ago, in addition to Bamberg being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the World Heritage Cities Organisation was founded.
The World Heritage flag will wave at the Old Town Hall throughout the day, inviting guests to find out more about World Heritage and the programme for the 30th anniversary of Bamberg's Old Town and to appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of its cultural heritage.

INFO
World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day was created by the OWHC, the Organisation of World Heritage Cities. The date represents the founding of the OWHC on 8 September 1993 in Fez, Morocco. In addition to implementing the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage" (UNESCO World Heritage Convention), the aims of the cities network are to promote cooperation between World Heritage Cities, in particular the exchange of information and expertise in the field of heritage conservation and management. Currently, over 200 cities from five continents are members of the OWHC.