The UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 will be held in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 21 July 2026. This 9-day international forum is organized under the theme “World Heritage, Communities and Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change.”
The Forum aims to strengthen the capacity of young professionals while encouraging their active involvement in the protection and sustainable management of natural and cultural World Heritage sites. There is no application fee, and no IELTS requirement is specified.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Republic of Korea
- Organizers: UNESCO in collaboration with Korea Heritage Service and Korean National Commission for UNESCO
- Category: International Forum | Youth Program | Training
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Fully Funded | Airfare | Accommodation | Meals | Visa Support
- Duration: 9 Days
- Forum Dates: 13 – 21 July 2026
- Deadline: 15 March 2026
Program Details
The UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026 focuses on enhancing youth engagement, strengthening community participation, and promoting education as a powerful tool for heritage conservation.
Participants will engage in presentations, interactive discussions, collaborative workshops, and site-based learning activities facilitated by local and international experts. The program explores how communities, youth, and educational systems can contribute to inclusive governance, informed decision-making, and sustainable management of World Heritage properties.
In addition to academic and practical sessions, participants will visit selected World Heritage sites in the Republic of Korea to understand their management systems firsthand.
At the conclusion of the Forum, young professionals will present a Youth Declaration during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.
Program Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Full funding for the entire program
- Round-trip international airfare (economy class)
- Free accommodation throughout the Forum
- Meals arranged by the organizers
- Local transportation within the Republic of Korea
- Visa fee support (where applicable)
- Participation in workshops, expert sessions, and site visits
- Opportunity to present the Youth Declaration at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 23 and 32 years old (born between 1994 and 2003 inclusive)
- Be a young professional or practitioner working in areas such as:
- World Heritage site management
- Education and teaching
- Research and innovation related to World Heritage
- NGOs or community-based organizations focused on heritage
- Demonstrate active involvement in World Heritage-related activities
- Be available to participate for the full 9-day duration
- Have strong proficiency in English (the Forum will be conducted entirely in English)
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should:
- Complete the online application form in English
- Provide personal and contact details
- Include educational background and professional experience
- Clearly explain motivation for attending and expected benefits
- Upload a CV and passport-size photograph
- Attach any relevant supporting documents
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Submit the application before the deadline
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all requirements and ensure accurate submission before 15 March 2026.
To apply for this scholarship, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
To join EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
