Call for Applications: UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025

About the Program

As part of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO is organizing the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025, taking place from 1 to 8 July 2025 at its headquarters in Paris, France. This prestigious forum aims to build the capacity of emerging professionals in the field of World Heritage conservation, with a strong focus on digital innovation and sustainable heritage management. Supported by the Republic of Bulgaria, the forum offers a unique opportunity to engage with global heritage experts, explore cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the future of World Heritage. At the end of the forum, selected participants will present a Declaration to the Committee, contributing directly to global heritage policy.

Program Details:

Program Title: World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025
Organizer: UNESCO, with the support of the Republic of Bulgaria
Under the Framework of: 47th session of the World Heritage Committee
Coordinated By: World Heritage Education Program
Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
Dates: 1 to 8 July 2025 (Arrival: 30 June | Departure: 8 July)
Format: International Capacity-Building Forum for Emerging Heritage Professionals
Participants: ~25 selected young professionals from around the world
Languages: English and French
Costs Covered: Travel, accommodation, meals, local transport, and visa fees

Research Focus

World Heritage Conservation
Digital Technologies in Heritage
Sustainable Heritage Management
AI, AR/VR, Drones, 3D Modeling
Community Engagement and International Collaboration

Provisional Program

The Forum’s main venue will be the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. To complement the knowledge gained in workshops, participants will also visit World Heritage sites in and around the city. The current program outline is as follows:

30 June 2025: Arrival Day
1 July 2025: Opening of the Forum and Introductions
2–5 July 2025: Thematic discussions and site visits
6 July 2025: Drafting of the Youth Declaration
7 July 2025: Presentation of the Declaration at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee & Closing Ceremony
8 July 2025: Departure of participants

Note: The final program will be shared with selected participants.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Participants of the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025 are expected to be:

Aged between 23 and 32 years (born between 30 June 1993 and 30 June 2002 including)
Experienced in one of these fields: architecture, archaeology, conservation, restoration,
urban planning, art history, heritage related studies;
Involved in World Heritage protection, preservation and promotion;
Familiar with/experienced in digital technologies in relation to World Heritage;
Motivated and committed to implementing the outcomes of the Forum in their respective
countries;
Committed to enhancing community engagement in the management of World Heritage
properties;
Available for the entire duration of the Forum;
Proficient in English and/or French, as the Forum will be conducted in English and French.