Are you passionate about cultural and natural heritage? Do you want to explore how digital technologies can contribute to heritage preservation in today’s interconnected world? Apply now for the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 1 to 8 July 2025. Organized under the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme and supported by the Republic of Bulgaria, this forum will bring together 25 young professionals worldwide for an engaging week of learning, collaboration, and innovation. The theme for this year is: “World Heritage in an Interconnected World: Leveraging Digital Technologies and Innovative Approaches”, focusing on how AI, AR/VR, digital mapping, drones, and 3D modeling can revolutionize heritage conservation and awareness.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. One of its most recognized initiatives is the World Heritage Programme, which identifies and protects cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding universal value across the globe.
About the Forum
The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is a flagship initiative of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. These forums aim to promote intercultural learning and global exchange by bringing together young professionals and heritage experts from around the world. Participants engage in meaningful discussions on heritage conservation, discover new roles for youth in this field, and gain practical insights into local heritage management through site visits.
These forums also provide a unique opportunity for young professionals to:
- Interact with members of the World Heritage Committee and its Advisory Bodies
- Explore the application and implications of the 1972 World Heritage Convention
- Deepen their understanding of global heritage policies and practices
To learn more about previous editions of the forum, visit the UNESCO Youth Forum Archive.
Theme of the Forum
The 2025 forum focuses on: “World Heritage in an Interconnected World: Leveraging Digital Technologies and Innovative Approaches”. This timely theme reflects the evolving landscape of heritage preservation in our rapidly changing, tech-driven world. It explores how cutting-edge tools, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
- Digital mapping
- Drones
- 3D modelling
It can be harnessed to enhance the protection, management, and promotion of both natural and cultural World Heritage sites. Moreover, the forum highlights the importance of developing innovative and sustainable heritage management strategies that can meet the challenges of today and serve future generations.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be aged 23–32 (born between 30 June 1993 and 30 June 2002);
- Have experience or academic background in architecture, archaeology, conservation, restoration, urban planning, art history, or heritage-related studies;
- Be actively involved in World Heritage preservation and promotion;
- Have knowledge or experience in digital technologies related to heritage;
- Be proficient in English and/or French;
- Be available for the entire duration of the forum;
- Be committed to community engagement and applying forum outcomes in their home countries.
- Balanced geographical representation
- Gender equality
- Diversity of professional backgrounds
- Ability to disseminate gained experience in the country or institution of origin
- Knowledge and experience in the management practices for World Heritage sites.
Expenses and Benefits
- All related expenses (economy class flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals, and visa fees) will be covered for the duration of the Forum.
- The organizers will also assist in the travel preparations and will provide support to the participants who need a visa.
Tips to strengthen your application
To increase your selection chances:
- Show how you use or plan to use technology in heritage work
- Mention your past involvement in heritage or cultural projects
- Highlight how you’ll apply what you learn in your local context
- Emphasize your passion and commitment to community engagement
- If possible, show how you'll share the knowledge after the event
Timeline
Application deadline: 22 April 2025, 23:59 CET
Arrival day: 30 June 2025
Opening ceremony and introductions: 1 July 2025
Thematic discussions and site visits: 2-5 July 2025
Drafting of the Declaration: 6 July 2025
Closing the Forum: 7 July 2025
Departure day: 8 July 2025
How to apply?
All interested candidates who wish to apply for participation in the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum are invited to complete this form before 22 April 2025
Application process:
Please note that the following information will be requested as part of the registration process:
- All answers must be presented in English or French only. Applications submitted in languages other than English or French will not be considered.
- A professional Curriculum vitae in PDF format (max. two pages, 10 MB).
- A scan of your passport photo in JPG, JPEG, GIF, or PNG format (max, 10 MB).
More Details
- For more information about the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025, including specific application guidelines, please visit the official programme page on the UNESCO website. Click here to learn more.
- For any questions regarding the application, please contact: wh-ypf@unesco.org
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