Call for Applications: UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples – 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (Busan, 2026)

The UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples is inviting applications from Indigenous representatives to attend the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, taking place from 19 to 29 July 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea. This call offers financial support to enable meaningful Indigenous participation in one of the most important global decision-making bodies under the World Heritage Convention.

The deadline to apply is 27 February 2026.

About the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will convene in Busan, South Korea, bringing together States Parties, observers, experts, and civil society representatives to deliberate on the protection, conservation, and management of World Heritage sites.

For Indigenous Peoples, participation in this session is a critical opportunity to advocate for the recognition and respect of their human rights, knowledge systems, and cultural heritage. The World Heritage Committee plays a central role in decisions that affect Indigenous lands, sacred sites, and cultural landscapes worldwide.

The Board of Trustees of the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Indigenous Peoples emphasizes that attendance at this session must be understood as part of the broader struggle for the recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights at the international level.

Purpose of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples

The Fund was established to support Indigenous representatives in participating effectively in United Nations processes that impact their communities. In the context of the World Heritage Committee, the Fund aims to:

• Strengthen Indigenous voices in global heritage governance.

• Promote inclusive and rights-based approaches to World Heritage management.

• Enable broader participation from Indigenous organizations and communities, especially those previously unrepresented.

• Ensure gender balance and equitable geographical distribution among selected beneficiaries.

The Board encourages new applicants from Indigenous organizations and communities that have not previously participated in these sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to Indigenous representatives who:

• Possess recognized expertise in World Heritage matters.

• Have experience engaging with the procedures and work of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

• Demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous rights, traditional knowledge systems, and heritage management.

• Represent a non-governmental or non-profit Indigenous organization or community active in areas covered by the World Heritage Convention.

• Show a strong commitment to contributing to international discussions on the safeguarding and protection of Indigenous heritage.

A critical eligibility requirement is that the applicant must represent an Indigenous organization or community. A valid letter of recommendation from the represented organization or community is mandatory.

Required Documentation

Only complete applications will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Applicants must submit:

• A fully completed online application form, answering all 41 questions thoroughly and satisfactorily.

• A short statement of motivation.

• A curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience.

• A letter of recommendation from the Indigenous organization or community represented. This letter must be signed by the executive of the organization or the recognized leader of the community. It cannot be signed by the applicant.

• Proof of submission of a request for observer status to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre at wh-info@unesco.org.

Failure to provide any of the required documents, particularly a properly signed letter of recommendation, will result in the application being categorized as incomplete.

Financial Support

Selected beneficiaries will receive a daily subsistence allowance to cover travel, accommodation, and related expenses for attending the 48th session in Busan.

Financial support is conditional upon acceptance of observer status by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Applicants must therefore ensure they submit their observer status request in a timely manner and provide proof of submission.

Selection Criteria and Considerations

Due to a high volume of applications and frequent submission of incomplete forms, the Board stresses the importance of providing all required information clearly and comprehensively.

In selecting beneficiaries, the Board seeks to achieve:

• Gender balance.

• Broad geographical representation.

• Inclusion of Indigenous communities that have not previously been represented.

• Demonstrated capacity to engage meaningfully in the session’s proceedings.

• Commitment to follow-up work within local communities.

Effective participation includes not only attendance but also the ability to communicate key outcomes and developments back to Indigenous communities.

Post-Session Follow-Up Requirements

Selected participants are required to carry out follow-up activities after the session. At a minimum, beneficiaries must agree to organize and conduct at least one awareness-raising meeting within their respective communities or organizations.

This meeting should inform community members about:

• Issues discussed during the session.

• Proceedings and key decisions adopted.

• Implications for Indigenous heritage and rights.

• Future advocacy and engagement opportunities.

Documentation of this follow-up activity will be required. This commitment ensures that the grant benefits extend beyond individual participation and contribute to strengthening Indigenous communities’ engagement at the global level.

Survey and Data Protection

The application process includes a 41-question survey. The survey is anonymous and does not contain identifying information unless explicitly requested in a specific question.

If an identifying access code is used to access the survey, it will not be stored together with responses. Access codes are managed in a separate database and only indicate whether the survey was completed. There is no mechanism to match identification access codes with survey responses.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit all required documents before the deadline of 27 February 2026.

Apply online at:
https://survey.ohchr.org/564871?lang=en

Only complete applications will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees.

Contact Information

For questions about the Explanatory Note or the application process, applicants may contact:

Secretariat of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Email: ohchr-indigenousfunds@un.org
Phone: +41 22 928 9303

For specific inquiries, contact:
Morse Caoagas Flores
Secretary, UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Email: morse.flores@un.org

Indigenous representatives with expertise in World Heritage and a commitment to advancing Indigenous rights at the global level are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to shaping international heritage governance at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, 2026.