World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 in Republic of Korea by UNESCO

Country: Republic of Korea
Program Name: World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026
Category: Forum
Theme: World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
Host: Republic of Korea through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU)
Framework: UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme
Dates: 13–21 July 2026
Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET

The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 is now open for applications. Announced by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Forum will be held in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 21 July 2026 as part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. It will be hosted by the Republic of Korea through the Korea Heritage Service and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO.

Theme

The 2026 Forum will be organized under the theme “World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change.”

Purpose

According to the official announcement, the Forum aims to strengthen the commitment, skills, and engagement of young professionals involved in the protection, management, and safeguarding of natural and cultural World Heritage sites. The programme places particular emphasis on community participation, education and learning, and the active role of youth in shaping strategies for the conservation and enhancement of World Heritage.

What Participants Will Do

The page explains that participants will engage with local and international experts and take part in presentations, discussions, collaborative working sessions, and site-based learning at World Heritage properties in the Republic of Korea. Through these activities, participants will explore how communities, youth, and education can contribute to informed decision-making, inclusive governance, and the sustainable management of World Heritage.

Final Outcome

At the end of the Forum, the selected young professionals will present their Declaration to the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.

Selection

UNESCO states that participant selection will be carried out solely on the basis of online applications and in accordance with the criteria specified in the Call for Applications. The page also clearly notes that recommendations, nominations, or endorsements will not be considered.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online application form. The deadline is 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Official Links

Source Link
UNESCO World Heritage Centre page: https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2862/

Application Link
Online Application: https://unesco-2023.limesurvey.net/298371?lang=en

Call for Applications
Download: available through the official UNESCO page linked above.