Today marks the conclusion of Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez’s presidency of the Group of World Heritage Cities of Spain. His term, which unexpectedly extended to eighteen months, has seen the fifteen Spanish cities recognised by UNESCO for their extraordinary universal values strengthen their leadership in safeguarding and advocating for our heritage,” stated Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.
Handing over the reins tomorrow, on July 1, to Santiago de Compostela’s Mayor Goretti Sanmartín, Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez held a productive meeting last April to facilitate the transition. “I wish him every success in his new role, with my full support to ensure the continued progress of heritage cities in achieving our objectives,” he expressed.
Reflecting on this pivotal period, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez provided a notably positive assessment of the term, citing significant progress and consensus within the Group. “We commenced this phase as we emerged from the shadow of the pandemic, and over these 18 months, we have bolstered collaboration among our fifteen cities, enhancing our efforts in heritage preservation, accessibility, cultural advancement, and driving the Group’s international strategy,” he emphasised.
La Laguna assumed the presidency of the Group on January 1, 2023. Typically, the rotating presidency lasts for a year, aligned with the political calendar. However, La Laguna’s mandate was extended by six months to restore the customary term between July 1 and June 30, which was disrupted in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In the course of these 18 months, strategic partnerships were solidified, enhancing the Group’s global reach. Collaborations were established in tourism promotion with agreements forged with the Ministry of Tourism, Turespaña, Paradores, and Madrid Destino, along with active participation in major international fairs, campaigns, and conferences. Notably, partnerships were also expanded with similar entities such as the recent agreement with the Association of Mexican World Heritage Cities.
Highlighted as a significant achievement during La Laguna’s presidency was the commemoration of the Group’s 30th anniversary, with celebratory events still ongoing in the fifteen cities. Noteworthy events include a private audience granted by Pope Francis to the fifteen mayors at the Vatican’s private library, and a concert held in the cathedral of La Laguna last March attended by Queen Doña Sofía.
In the cultural realm, the support and agreements secured with the Ministry of Culture played a pivotal role, facilitating the organisation of numerous events. Over the 18 months, the Heritage Cities have enriched their cultural offerings through events like the Heritage Night and sporting activities such as the Race Circuit and Rugby 7 tournament. Technical training sessions on various aspects of heritage management were conducted, alongside renewed agreements to enhance accessibility, including one signed with the ONCE Foundation. Additionally, the 1st National Congress of Brotherhoods and Confraternities of Holy Week and World Heritage Cities was successfully organised.
Also, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, the Group approved a roadmap in Ávila for safeguarding its monumental legacy, committing to “enhance dialogue with other administrations, engage citizens, social stakeholders, and private entities in heritage protection responsibilities, and particularly involve younger generations,” as outlined in the document.
