The OWHC’s headquarters are located in Québec City (Canada).

The main objectives of the Organization are:

1. To favor the implementation of the World Heritage Convention;
2. To encourage co-operation and the exchange of information and expertise on matters of conservation and management of urban heritage;
3. To develop a sense of solidarity among its member cities

To this end, the OWHC organizes many meetings: World Congresses, conferences, seminars and workshops dealing with the challenges to be met in the realm of management and strategies pertaining to the preservation and enhancement of historic cities. Moreover, the OWHC offers to its member cities many programs and projects which aim to promote and support the maintenance, recognition and enhancement of their world heritage: Youth on the Trail of World Heritage, Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize for Heritage, International Video Production Competition, Solidarity day of World Heritage Cities – September 8, Mayors & Heritage, Zoom on Urban Heritage, The OWHC Grants, Case Studies, etc.

The Mayors of World Heritage cities that have paid their annual membership fees make up the General Assembly, the Organization’s paramount authority. The General Assembly meets every two years.

The Board of Directors is made up of eight Mayors elected by the General Assembly. It meets at least once a year.

The General Secretariat is directed by the Secretary General, appointed by the General Assembly, who oversees the execution of mandates adopted by the members, the day-to-day administration of the Organization, personnel management and hiring.

Seven Regional Secretariats support the work of the General Secretariat:

1. Regensburg (Germany) for Northwest Europe and North America
2. Warsaw (Poland) for Central and Eastern Europe
3. Córdoba (Spain) for Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
4. Kazan (Russian Federation) for Euro-Asia
5. Gyeongju (South Korea) for Asia-Pacific
6. Morelia (Mexico) for Latin America