Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applications are now open for the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 (Fully Funded to Republic of Korea). This event takes place from 13 to 21 July 2026 in the Republic of Korea. It forms part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee. The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) will host it. The theme is World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change. The forum offers full funding for selected young professionals. You can learn about eligibility rules, benefits, and the programme below.
Key Takeaways
- Applications for the fully funded UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 close on 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
- Eligible participants are aged 23-32 and work in fields like education, site management, research, or NGOs related to World Heritage.
- The forum runs from 13-21 July 2026 in Korea, featuring sessions, site visits, and a Youth Declaration presentation.
- Benefits include economy flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, and visa support for selected applicants.
The forum seeks to build commitment, skills, and engagement among young professionals. These people work on protecting, managing, and safeguarding natural and cultural World Heritage sites. It stresses community participation, education, and the role of youth in conservation strategies. Participants will exchange ideas with local and international experts. They will join presentations, discussions, collaborative sessions, and site-based learning at World Heritage properties in Korea. At the end, they will present a Youth Declaration to the 48th World Heritage Committee session.
The theme of the forum is World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change. This focus aims to strengthen skills and understanding. Young professionals will gain tools to protect natural and cultural World Heritage sites.
Eligible applicants must meet these criteria:
- Age: Between 23 and 32 years (born between 1994 and 2003 inclusive).
- Professional profile: Young professionals and practitioners in one or more areas:
- Education and teaching in formal learning settings.
- World Heritage site management.
- Research and innovation related to World Heritage.
- Work within NGOs or community-level associations focused on World Heritage.
- Engagement: Demonstrated involvement in activities related to World Heritage.
- Motivation: Strong interest in contributing to discussions on youth, communities, and education.
- Availability: Full availability for the entire duration of the Forum.
- Language: Proficiency in English, as the Forum will be conducted exclusively in English.
The selection process will also ensure:
- Balanced geographical representation.
- Gender equality.
- Diversity of professional backgrounds.
- Potential for knowledge-sharing and impact after the Forum.
The forum covers key costs to make participation easy. Here are the main benefits:
- Participants arrive on 12 July 2026 and depart on 21/22 July 2026.
- Organizers pay for international travel in economy class, accommodation, local transportation, meals, and visa fees where needed.
- They will help with travel preparations and visa support.
- If you stay longer after 21 July 2026, you cover those costs. Inform the hosts ahead of time for arrangements.
Here is the provisional programme in a clear timeline:
| Date | Activities |
|---|---|
| 12 July 2026 | Arrival of participants |
| 13 July 2026 | Opening of the Forum and introductions |
| 14-19 July 2026 | Thematic sessions, site-based learning and group 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 of the Forum and departure of participants |
The detailed programme goes to selected participants only. It mixes discussions, workshops, group work, and site visits.
Apply through the official UNESCO webpage. Applications are open now. Check that page for the form and full process. Do not miss the deadline of 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
For questions, contact [email protected]. The organizers offer support for visas and travel preparations.
The UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 offers a unique chance for young experts to gain skills in heritage protection and connect with global leaders. With full funding and a focus on youth as change agents, it covers essential costs so you can focus on learning. Apply by 15 March 2026 via the official UNESCO page to join this empowering event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UNESCO Young Professionals Forum 2026?
You must be 23-32 years old, work in World Heritage-related fields like education or site management, and have English proficiency and full availability.
What does the forum cover financially?
It pays for international economy flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, and visa fees during the event dates.
When and where is the forum held?
The event takes place from 13 to 21 July 2026 in the Republic of Korea as part of the 48th World Heritage Committee session.
How do I apply?
Submit your application through the official UNESCO webpage linked in the announcement before the 15 March 2026 deadline.
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