The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 is organised by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre within the World Heritage Education Programme, and hosted by the Republic of Korea through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU). Held from 13 to 21 July 2026 as part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, it convenes young professionals from around the world under the theme “World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change.” Through expert exchanges, workshops and site-based learning at Korean World Heritage properties, participants explore how communities, youth and education contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of natural and cultural World Heritage. The Forum closes with participants presenting their Declaration to the World Heritage Committee.
Benefits & funding
- A nine-day hosted programme (13–21 July 2026) in the Republic of Korea, combining presentations, discussions, collaborative working sessions and learning visits to World Heritage sites.
- Direct exchange and mentorship with national and international World Heritage experts.
- The opportunity to co-author and present a youth Declaration to the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.
- Fully funded: international travel in economy class, accommodation, meals, local transportation and visa fees where applicable are covered for the duration of the Forum.
Eligibility
- Aged between 23 and 32 (born between 1994 and 2003 inclusive).
- Young professionals working in one of these areas: education and teaching, World Heritage site management, heritage-related research or innovation, or NGOs and community associations engaged with heritage. No academic degree is required — eligibility is based on professional profile.
- Proficiency in English, as the Forum is conducted entirely in English.
- Available for the full duration of the Forum.
- Open to applicants worldwide; no nationality restriction.
- Selection is made solely on the basis of the online application against the criteria in the Call for Applications — recommendations, nominations or endorsements are not considered. Geographical balance, gender equality, professional diversity and post-Forum impact are taken into account.
Can you apply?
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Age requirement
23–32 yrs
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Application process
- 1Consult the official Call for Applications published by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
- 2Complete and submit the online application form before the deadline.
- 3Selection is carried out solely on the submitted online applications, against the published criteria.
- 4Selected participants are notified and attend the Forum in the Republic of Korea.
Program timeline
Call for Applications published
Feb 3, 2026
Application deadline (23:59 CET)
Mar 15, 2026
Forum begins
Jul 13, 2026
Forum ends; youth Declaration presented to the World Heritage Committee
Jul 21, 2026