Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applications are now open for the 2026 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum. As part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, the Republic of Korea, through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU), will host the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 from 13 to 21 July 2026, under the theme World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change.
The Forum aims to strengthen the commitment, skills and engagement of young professionals involved in the protection, management and safeguarding of natural and cultural World Heritage sites. It will place particular emphasis on community participation, education and learning, and the active role of youth in shaping strategies for the conservation and enhancement of World Heritage.
Through exchanges with local and international experts, and through a combination of presentations, discussions, collaborative working sessions and site-based learning at World Heritage properties in the Republic of Korea, participants will collectively explore how communities, youth and education can contribute to informed decision-making, inclusive governance and sustainable management of World Heritage. At the end of the Forum, the young professionals will present their Declaration to the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.
THEME OF THE FORUM
The theme of the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 is set as World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change. The overall aim of the Forum is to strengthen the commitment, skills and critical understanding of young professionals in protecting, managing and safeguarding natural and cultural World Heritage sites.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Applicants to the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 should meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 23 and 32 years (born between 1994 and 2003 inclusive);
- Professional profile: Young professionals and practitioners engaged in one or more of the following areas:
- Education and teaching in formal learning settings;
- World Heritage site management;
- Research and innovation related to World Heritage
- Work within NGOs or community-level associations focused on World Heritage;
- • Engagement: Demonstrated involvement in activities related to World Heritage;
- • Motivation: Strong interest in contributing to discussions on youth, communities and education;
- • Availability: Full availability for the entire duration of the Forum;
- • Language: Proficiency in English, as the Forum will be conducted exclusively in English.
In addition, the selection process will seek to ensure: Balanced geographical representation; – Gender equality; Diversity of professional backgrounds; Potential for knowledge-sharing and impact after the Forum.
Benefits
- Participants are expected to arrive on 12 July 2026 and depart on 21/22 July 2026.
- All related expenses for the duration of the Forum (international travel in economy class, accommodation, local transportation, meals and visa fees, where applicable) will be covered by the organizers. The organizers will also assist in the travel preparations and will provide support to the participants who need a visa.
- If any participant wishes to extend his/her stay after 21 July 2026, all related costs will be covered by the participant. In such a case, the host country should be informed in advance, in order to make all the necessary arrangements.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
The Forum will combine thematic discussions, workshops, group work and site visits at World Heritage properties in the Republic of Korea.
A provisional outline is provided below. The detailed programme will be shared with selected participants.
- 12 July 2026: Arrival of participants
- 13 July 2026: Opening of the Forum and introductions
- 14–19 July 2026: Thematic sessions, site-based learning and group work
- 18 July 2026: Joint session with the World Heritage Site Managers Forum
- 19 July 2026: Drafting of the Youth Declaration
- 20 July 2026: Finalisation and presentation of the Youth Declaration
- 21 July 2026: Closing of the Forum and departure of participants
For any questions, kindly contact: [email protected]
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum
