Applications are now open for the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026. This fully funded event takes place in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 21 July 2026. It is part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee. The application deadline is 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET. The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) will host the forum. The theme is World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change. The goal is to build skills in young professionals for protecting World Heritage sites. This article covers the theme, who can apply, benefits, program schedule, and how to submit your application.
The forum focuses on young people who work to protect natural and cultural World Heritage sites. It aims to boost their commitment, skills, and involvement in site management. Organizers put special stress on community input, education, and youth roles in conservation. Participants will talk with local and global experts. They will join presentations, discussions, group work, and visits to sites in Korea. These activities help explore how communities and youth can improve decisions, governance, and sustainability for World Heritage. At the end, the group will share a Youth Declaration with the World Heritage Committee.
THEME OF THE FORUM
The theme World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change guides the whole event. It seeks to grow commitment, skills, and deep knowledge in young professionals. They will learn better ways to protect, manage, and save natural and cultural World Heritage sites.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
To join, applicants must meet these key points:
- Age: Between 23 and 32 years old (born 1994 to 2003, inclusive).
- Professional profile: Work in education or teaching; World Heritage site management; research or innovation on World Heritage; or NGOs and community groups focused on World Heritage.
- Engagement: Show clear involvement in World Heritage activities.
- Motivation: Strong drive to join talks on youth, communities, and education.
- Availability: Free for the full forum dates.
- Language: Good skills in English, as all sessions use English.
Selection also looks for balance from different regions, equal gender mix, varied job backgrounds, and people who can share knowledge after the event.
BENEFITS
Participants arrive on 12 July 2026 and leave on 21 or 22 July 2026. Organizers cover all costs: economy class flights, hotel stays, local travel, meals, and visa fees if needed. They also help with travel plans and visa support. If you want to stay longer after 21 July 2026, you pay those extra costs. Just tell the hosts ahead of time to set things up.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
The event mixes talks, workshops, group tasks, and visits to World Heritage sites in Korea. Here is the outline:
- 12 July 2026: Arrival of participants.
- 13 July 2026: Opening and introductions.
- 14-19 July 2026: Thematic sessions, site visits, learning, and group work.
- 18 July 2026: Joint meeting with the World Heritage Site Managers Forum.
- 19 July 2026: Start drafting the Youth Declaration.
- 20 July 2026: Finish and present the Youth Declaration.
- 21 July 2026: Closing and departures.
Selected people will get the full detailed schedule.
HOW TO APPLY
Go to the official UNESCO webpage to apply. Submit before the 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET deadline. For questions, email [email protected].
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the forum?
You must be 23-32 years old, work in World Heritage-related fields like education or management, show engagement in the topic, and have good English skills.
What benefits do selected participants get?
Organizers cover economy flights, hotel stays, meals, local travel, and visa support for the full event dates.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
How do I apply?
Visit the official UNESCO webpage linked in the article and submit your application before the deadline; email [email protected] for questions.
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