World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 (Fully Funded) — Call for Applications in South Korea

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3 weeks ago

Overview

Applications are now open for the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026, a fully funded international programme organized within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme.

Hosted by the Republic of Korea through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU), the forum will take place from 13–21 July 2026 alongside the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee.

Under the theme “World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change,” the programme will bring together 30 young professionals from around the world to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and engagement in the protection and management of natural and cultural World Heritage sites.

Forum Theme and Objectives

The 2026 forum focuses on the relationship between World Heritage, communities, and education, with the goal of empowering youth to play an active role in heritage conservation and governance.

Key objectives include:

Strengthening the commitment and professional capacity of young practitioners working in heritage-related fields
Exploring how community participation can improve conservation and management practices
Examining the role of education, research, and learning in informed decision-making
Promoting youth leadership and inclusive governance in World Heritage protection

Through exchanges with local and international experts, participants will engage in collaborative learning and develop practical perspectives on sustainable heritage management.

Programme Structure

The forum combines academic discussions with practical, site-based learning experiences at World Heritage properties in the Republic of Korea. Activities include:

Thematic presentations and expert-led discussions
Collaborative workshops and group work
Site visits and field-based learning
Peer exchange with international participants
Joint session with the World Heritage Site Managers Forum

At the conclusion of the programme, participants will collectively prepare and present a Youth Declaration to the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee.

Provisional Schedule

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

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age

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

Professional Profile

Applicants should be young professionals or practitioners engaged in one or more of the following areas:

Education and teaching in formal learning settings
World Heritage site management
Research and innovation related to World Heritage
NGOs or community-level associations focused on heritage

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 (the working language of the programme)

Selection Considerations

The selection process aims to ensure:

Balanced geographical representation
Gender equality
Diversity of professional backgrounds
Potential for knowledge-sharing and impact after the forum

Funding and Benefits

The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 is fully funded. Selected participants will receive:

International economy-class travel
Accommodation
Local transportation
Meals during the programme
Visa support and related fees where applicable

Participants wishing to extend their stay after the programme must cover additional expenses independently.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the official online application form:

Application Link: https://unesco-2023.limesurvey.net/662537

Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 (23:59 CET)

Important notes:

Only complete applications submitted through the online form will be considered
Selection is based solely on the information provided in the application
Recommendations or endorsements are not required

Selected applicants will be notified via email.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the application process:

Email: For any questions, kindly contact: wh-ypf@unesco.org

Why You Should Apply

The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is a flagship initiative of UNESCO’s World Heritage Education Programme. It offers young professionals a unique opportunity to:

Build international networks with peers and experts
Gain practical experience through site-based learning
Deepen understanding of the World Heritage Convention
Contribute directly to global discussions on heritage conservation
Strengthen leadership skills in community-based and sustainable heritage management

For professionals working at the intersection of heritage, education, and community engagement, the forum provides both international exposure and long-term professional value.

Call for Applications

Selection of participants will be carried out solely on the basis of the online applications, in accordance with the criteria specified in the Call for Applications. Recommendations, nominations, or endorsements will therefore not be considered.