Country: Republic of Korea
Organization: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Program: World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026
Type: Forum
Theme: World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
Hosted by: Republic of Korea through the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU)
Dates: 13–21 July 2026
Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applications are now invited for the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026, which will take place in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 21 July 2026. The official notice says the Forum is being organized as part of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. The Republic of Korea will host the event through the Korea Heritage Service and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO.
Forum Theme
This edition of the Forum will focus on “World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change.”
Forum Focus
The official page says the Forum is designed to strengthen the commitment, skills, and engagement of young professionals working in the protection, management, and safeguarding of natural and cultural World Heritage sites. It highlights three core areas in particular: community participation, education and learning, and the role of youth in shaping conservation and enhancement strategies for World Heritage.
Learning Format
Participants will join exchanges with local and international experts and will be involved in presentations, discussions, collaborative working sessions, and site-based learning at World Heritage properties in the Republic of Korea. These activities are intended to help participants examine how youth, education, and communities can support informed decision-making, inclusive governance, and sustainable World Heritage management.
Forum Conclusion
The page notes that the young professionals will present their Declaration to the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee at the end of the Forum.
Application Basis
The announcement states that selection will rely only on online applications and will follow the criteria set out in the Call for Applications. It also specifies that recommendations, nominations, and endorsements will not be taken into account.
Application Deadline
Candidates must submit their applications through the online application form by 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Source and Application
Official Link
UNESCO World Heritage Centre: https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2862/
Apply Here
Online application form: https://unesco-2023.limesurvey.net/298371?lang=en
Call for Applications
Download link is provided on the official UNESCO page.
