Applications are now open for the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025. The  Forum will take place from 1-8 July 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and focus on the theme “World Heritage in an interconnected world: Leveraging digital technologies and innovative approaches.”

This forum, part of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, aims to enhance the expertise of young professionals in preserving and promoting World Heritage using emerging technologies like AI, AR/VR, digital mapping, and drones.

The forum, which brings together around 25 young professionals from diverse backgrounds, offers a unique opportunity to engage in workshops, roundtables, and site visits. Participants will explore innovative approaches to heritage management and present a Declaration at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee. Join this global exchange of ideas and contribute to the future of World Heritage conservation.

Important Details

• Application Deadline: 22 April 2025 at 23:59 CET
• Program Duration: 1- 8 July 2025
• Arrival Day: 30 June 2025
• Opening of the Forum and Introductions: 1 July 2025
• Thematic Discussions and Site Visit: 2- 5 July 2025
• Youth Model and Committee Meeting Simulation: 7 July 2025
• Departure of participants: 8 July 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizers: UNESCO, with support from the Republic of Bulgaria
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Young professionals in the fields of heritage conservation, architecture, archaeology, art history, urban planning, and related studies
• Fields: Digital technologies and innovative approaches in World Heritage conservation
• Number of Opportunities: 25 participants
• Program Language: English and French
• Host Country: France (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris)

Benefits of the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum

Participants will benefit from the Forum as follows:

• Full funding covering economy-class flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals, and visa fees
• Access to exclusive networking opportunities with global experts in heritage conservation
• Hands-on experience with emerging digital technologies for heritage preservation
• Exposure to World Heritage sites through visits and fieldwork
• Recognition through participation in the presentation of a joint Declaration at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee
• Professional development in heritage conservation, digital tools, and cross-cultural collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who apply for the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum should meet the following criteria:

• Applicants’ age must be between 23 and 32 years (born between 30 June 1993 and 30 June 2002, inclusive)
• Applicants must have experience in one of the following fields: architecture, archaeology, conservation, restoration, urban planning, art history, or other heritage-related studies
• Involvement in World Heritage protection, preservation, or promotion
• Have familiarity with or experience in applying digital technologies to heritage management
• Strong commitment to heritage conservation and community engagement
• Proficiency in English and/or French
• Ability to participate in the entire duration of the Forum (1-8 July 2025)
• Geographical and gender diversity will be considered during the selection process

In addition to the general eligibility, the selection committee will consider the following elements in selecting the participants:

• Ensuring balanced representation from different regions
• Promoting gender equality
• Encouraging diversity in professional backgrounds
• The capacity to share acquired knowledge in the applicant’s home country or institution
• Expertise in the management practices of World Heritage sites

Documents Requirement:

All applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Passport-sized photo
• Proof of relevant experience or educational background
• The organizers may request additional documents

How to Apply?

All qualified candidates wishing to apply to the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum should fill in and submit the online application form by clicking “Apply Now” below.

Apply Now

Please visit the official website of UNESCO for detailed information about the Forum, or contact [email protected] for any application inquiries.

Check More Opportunities:

• PhD Scholarships of the Ca Foscari University of Venice, Italy
• Shanghai Government Scholarship for International Students
• Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship to Attend One Young World Summit 2025 (Fully Funded)