World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026

“World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change”
Republic of Korea | 13–21 July 2026

As an integral part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, the Republic of Korea will host the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 from 13 to 21 July 2026. The Forum is organised through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU).

The 2026 edition will convene 30 young professionals from across the globe to explore the interconnected roles of communities, youth, and education in strengthening the protection, management, and transmission of World Heritage. At the conclusion of the Forum, participants will collectively present a Youth Declaration during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.

Background

The World Heritage Young Professionals Fora are flagship initiatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme under UNESCO. These Fora promote intercultural dialogue, peer exchange, and professional engagement among emerging leaders in heritage-related fields.

They provide a structured platform for:

• Deepening understanding of the World Heritage Convention and its implementation
• Engaging with site managers, experts, and local communities
• Participating in site-based learning at World Heritage properties
• Reflecting on the responsibilities of current and future heritage professionals

Through direct interaction with stakeholders at local, national, and international levels, participants gain practical insight into conservation, governance, and sustainable management practices.

Theme of the Forum

World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change

The Forum aims to strengthen the commitment, skills, and critical understanding of young professionals working to safeguard both natural and cultural World Heritage sites.

Participants will explore:

• How community knowledge and participation enhance conservation and management
• The role of education, research, and learning in informed decision-making
• Youth engagement in inclusive and sustainable governance
• Strategies to reinforce collaboration between communities and heritage institutions

Through thematic discussions, collaborative sessions, and site visits within the Republic of Korea, the Forum will foster dialogue on integrating youth perspectives into long-term heritage strategies.

Provisional Programme

The Forum combines expert-led sessions, workshops, group work, and field visits. A detailed agenda will be shared with selected participants.

Key Dates:

• 12 July 2026: Arrival of participants
• 13 July 2026: Opening session and introductions
• 14–19 July 2026: Thematic sessions, site-based learning, and collaborative 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 and departure

The Youth Declaration will articulate collective recommendations to inform global heritage discourse.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age

• Between 23 and 32 years old (born between 1994 and 2003 inclusive)

Professional Profile
Engaged in one or more of the following areas:

• Education and formal teaching
• World Heritage site management
• Research and innovation related to heritage
• NGO or community-based heritage initiatives

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated involvement in World Heritage-related activities
• Strong motivation to contribute to discussions on youth, communities, and education
• Full availability for the entire duration of the Forum
• Proficiency in English (Forum conducted exclusively in English)

The selection process will ensure:

• Balanced geographical representation
• Gender equality
• Professional diversity
• Strong potential for knowledge-sharing and post-Forum impact

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their application through the official online application form.

Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET

Important notes:

• Only complete online applications will be considered
• Selection will be based solely on submitted application materials
• Recommendations or endorsements will not be taken into account
• Selected candidates will be notified via email

Travel and Accommodation

Participants are expected to arrive on 12 July 2026 and depart on 21 or 22 July 2026.

The organisers will cover:

• International travel (economy class)
• Accommodation
• Local transportation
• Meals
• Visa fees (where applicable)

The host country will assist with travel arrangements and visa support where required.

Participants wishing to extend their stay beyond 21 July 2026 must cover all additional costs and inform the organisers in advance to facilitate arrangements.

Strategic Significance

The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 reinforces UNESCO’s commitment to empowering youth as key stakeholders in cultural and natural heritage governance. By strengthening collaboration between communities, educators, and emerging professionals, the Forum contributes to sustainable conservation practices and inclusive decision-making.

Through dialogue, shared learning, and collective action, participants will help shape forward-looking approaches to safeguarding World Heritage for future generations.

Contact

For questions regarding the application process, inquiries may be directed to: wh-ypf@unesco.org

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hosting the Forum. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.