Apply for the 8th World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum 2026 in Busan, South Korea

Overview

The 8th World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum (WHSMF26) is an international conference for World Heritage site managers to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise, and promote participatory approaches to heritage management. It will be convened in partnership with leading international heritage institutions, hosted by the Republic of Korea.

Key Responsibilities

Participants will explore sustainable management through inclusive, people-centred approaches, integrated governance of World Heritage properties, research- and data-driven decision-making for conservation awareness, coordinated risk management, and communicating heritage values to revitalize local communities.

Requirements

Applications are open to current World Heritage site managers and professionals working within site management teams. Only one participant per World Heritage property will be accepted, with a possibility of one participant per State Party for transboundary or transnational properties. Priority will be given to managers of properties under Reactive Monitoring, those on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and applicants who have not attended previous forums. Selection will also aim for balanced regional, gender, age, and property-type representation.

Benefits

A limited number of travel grants are available for participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and States Parties in conflict or post-conflict situations. These grants are not automatic and will be confirmed with selection results. Participants are encouraged to seek funding for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

Location

Busan, Republic of Korea

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English or French only via the official online form. A professional CV (maximum 2 pages, PDF format) is required.

Deadline

22 March 2026