Deadline: 22 April 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Call for Application – UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025 (Funded to Paris). As an integral part of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, and with the support of the Republic of Bulgaria, the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025 will take place from 1 to 8 July 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, under the theme of World Heritage in an interconnected world: Leveraging digital technologies and innovative approaches.
The main objective of the Forum is to enhance the understanding and expertise of young professionals in protecting, preserving, and promoting our natural and cultural World Heritage through the
implementation of emerging technologies.
The forum will bring together about 25 young professionals from across the globe with diverse backgrounds to foster mutual learning and exchange on the Forum topics through a combination of presentations, round tables, workshops, virtual and on-site visits.
At the end of the Forum, the young professionals will present their Declaration at the 47th session of the
World Heritage Committee.
Provisional Programme
The Forum’s main venue will be at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. To supplement the theoretical
knowledge gained during the forum, participants will have the opportunity to engage in World Heritage
sites visits.
An initial outline of the Forum’s programme is available below. Updates on the programme, as well as the final programme, will be sent to the selected participants in due course.
• 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 Declaration
• 7 July 2025: Declaration at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee and Closing of the Forum
• 8 July 2025: Departure of participants
UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025 Eligibility
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.
In addition to general eligibility, the following elements will also be considered in selecting the participants:
- 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.
Travel and accommodation
The participants are expected to arrive on 30 June 2025 and depart on 8 July 2025. All related expenses (economy class flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals and visa fees) will be covered 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.
For more Information: Visit the website for UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2025