On December 17th, the 4th 2021 Assembly of the National Association of Mexican World Heritage Cities was held.

The Mayor of Zacatecas, Dr. Jorge Miranda Castro, hosted the Assembly. On behalf of the Governor of the State of Zacatecas, David Monreal Ávila, the Secretary of Tourism, Le Roy Barragán Ocampo, presented the main initiatives being undertaken in Cultural Tourism. With the participation of the mayors and officials from these cities, as well as legislators, representatives from the National Institute of Anthropology and History, the UNESCO Office in Mexico, and authorities at various levels, the following topics were analyzed, among others:

• Tax incentives for the conservation of World Heritage;
• The relationship with international organizations regarding specific cooperation actions;
• The care of World Heritage cities;
• Proposals for the inclusion of new sites;
• The drafting of a Manifesto of Mexican World Heritage Cities;

The event was held at the former Las Mercedes sugar mill in Bracho, located in the northern part of the city of Zacatecas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mr. Frédéric Vacheron Oriol, UNESCO Representative in Mexico, highlighted the valuable role of the Association, noting that in addition to promoting exchanges among World Heritage cities, it actively collaborates strategically in their protection and the search for sustainable tourism options. He offered to join forces with the Association and invited its members to participate in the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention, an initiative promoted by UNESCO Mexico, CONALMEX, and the Regional World Heritage Institute in Zacatecas.

Architect Arturo Balandrano, National Coordinator of Historical Monuments at the Ministry of Culture, reaffirmed the commitment to continue reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the earthquakes and provided an overview of the federal programs available to World Heritage Cities for 2022.

Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum's message highlighted the multicultural character of Mexico City and offered her support for the Association's work during 2022. During that year, Ms. Loredana Montes López, Head of the Historic Center Trust of Mexico City, will serve as President of the Association, and the Mayor of Querétaro, Luis Bernardo Nava Guerrero, will serve as Vice President.

The Director General of the National Association of Mexican World Heritage Cities, Jorge Ortega González, presented the 2021 financial and technical reports, as well as the proposal for 2022, all of which were unanimously approved. Throughout the meeting, he received recognition from the participants for his high level of commitment and the results achieved on behalf of the Mexican World Heritage Cities, an association that has now celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Congratulations to the Association and to Jorge Ortega González for their work!​​​​​​​