The World Heritage Young
Professionals Forum 2026 is an international initiative hosted by the
Republic of Korea through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and
the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU).
Scheduled to take place from 13 to
21 July 2026, the forum is held in the framework of the UNESCO
World Heritage Education Programme and in conjunction with the 48th
session of the World Heritage Committee.
The theme for this edition is: “World
Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change.” The
forum seeks to empower young professionals to play an active role in the
protection, management, and safeguarding of both natural and cultural World
Heritage sites.
Objectives of the Forum
The forum is designed to:
- Strengthen the commitment, skills, and engagement of
young professionals in heritage conservation.
- Promote community participation and the
inclusion of youth perspectives in heritage management.
- Foster educational initiatives that integrate
World Heritage knowledge into local and global contexts.
- Encourage participants to explore innovative approaches
for inclusive governance and sustainable management of
heritage sites.
By targeting young professionals, the forum
aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in heritage conservation who
can integrate education, community engagement, and youth participation into
their strategies.
Program Structure and Activities
Participants will engage in a diverse
program combining theoretical and practical learning experiences:
- Presentations and Discussions: Sessions
led by local and international experts, covering best practices, policies,
and strategies in heritage management.
- Collaborative Working Sessions: Interactive
group activities that encourage participants to develop actionable
solutions to real-world challenges faced by heritage sites.
- Site-Based Learning: Field
visits to World Heritage properties in the Republic of Korea, allowing
hands-on observation and practical experience in heritage management.
- Declaration Development: At
the conclusion of the forum, participants will collectively draft and
present a declaration to the 48th session of the World Heritage
Committee, outlining recommendations and commitments for heritage
protection.
This combination of activities ensures that
participants gain both theoretical insights and practical skills relevant to
heritage conservation and youth engagement.
Themes and Focus Areas
The 2026 forum emphasizes the
interconnections between World Heritage, communities, and education. Key
thematic areas include:
- Youth Empowerment: Enabling
young professionals to act as agents of change in heritage protection.
- Community Engagement: Highlighting
the role of local communities in conserving cultural and natural heritage.
- Education and Learning: Integrating
World Heritage education into community programs, schools, and public
initiatives.
- Sustainable Management: Promoting
strategies for the long-term protection and governance of World Heritage
sites.
Participants are encouraged to consider
both global and local perspectives, fostering solutions that balance
conservation goals with community needs and youth participation.
Selection Process and Application
Applications are assessed solely through
the online application form, and the selection of participants is
based strictly on the criteria outlined in the Call for Applications.
Recommendations, nominations, or endorsements from third parties are not
considered.
Key Application Details:
- Deadline: 15 March 2026, 23:59
CET
- Submission Method: Online
application form
- Eligibility: Open to young
professionals with an interest in World Heritage, education, and community
engagement
- Contact: wh-ypf@unesco.org for inquiries
Applicants are expected to demonstrate
their potential to contribute to youth-led initiatives, educational projects,
and community-focused heritage management strategies.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
The forum aims to create tangible outcomes
that contribute to the broader goals of UNESCO and the World Heritage
Convention:
- Youth-Led Recommendations: Formulated
through collaborative exercises and presented to the World Heritage
Committee.
- Strengthened Skills: Participants
gain knowledge in heritage management, community engagement, education,
and policy-making.
- Networking Opportunities: Young
professionals engage with international experts, peers, and community
leaders, building lasting professional connections.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Participants
become advocates for heritage protection, promoting youth-led initiatives
within their countries and professional networks.
By equipping youth with skills, knowledge,
and a platform for influence, the forum fosters sustainable heritage management
practices and enhances the role of young professionals in global heritage
governance
Conclusion
The World Heritage Young
Professionals Forum 2026 represents a unique opportunity for youth to
contribute meaningfully to the protection and sustainable management of World
Heritage sites.
Through education, community engagement,
and cross-cultural collaboration, participants are empowered to become future
leaders in heritage conservation, ensuring that cultural and natural treasures
are preserved for generations to come.
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