2023 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum

You have the opportunity to apply for the 2023 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum. This forum is an important part of the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee and is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, and the Saudi Heritage Commission. Taking place from 3 to 12 September 2023 in Riyadh and the Al-Ahsa Oasis, the forum focuses on the theme of “Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years of Protecting Natural and Cultural Heritage.” It aims to gather young professionals and experts to discuss and explore ways to safeguard and preserve our valuable natural and cultural heritage for the future.

If you are selected to participate in the 2023 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum, you can expect a fully-funded experience. The forum will take place from September 3 to 12, 2023, with participants arriving on September 2 and departing on September 13. The host country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will cover all expenses during the forum, including economy-class flights, accommodation, local transportation, and meals. The organizers will also provide assistance with travel arrangements and visa support if needed. It’s important to note that if you choose to extend your stay beyond September 13, you will be responsible for the associated costs. However, if you do plan to extend your stay, it’s recommended to inform the host country in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made. This is an exciting opportunity to engage in discussions about the future of protecting natural and cultural heritage, and the host country is committed to ensuring that participants have a comfortable and enriching experience throughout the forum.

The UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2023 will be organized in collaboration with the NGO Diadrasis. This forum is a special occasion to reflect on the achievements of the World Heritage Convention over the past 50 years. It aims to recognize the significant role of young people in the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage and to empower the next generation of heritage professionals to contribute their unique perspectives to heritage management. During the forum, participants will engage in capacity-building activities and discussions to enhance their skills and knowledge in creating a sustainable future for our heritage. The insights and ideas generated by the participants will be presented to the extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee as a Youth Declaration, highlighting the collective vision and aspirations of young professionals in the field. This forum provides a valuable platform for young professionals to connect, learn, and make a meaningful impact on the preservation of our shared heritage. It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the World Heritage Convention and shape the future of heritage management.

Requirements and eligibility criteria for the 2023 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum:

Experienced in one of these fields: World Heritage, conservation, archaeology, architecture, conservation, urban planning & regeneration, restoration, art history, tourism, climate change, and digital technology.
Motivated and committed to implementing the outcomes of the Forum in their respective countries.
Aged between 23 and 32 years.
Committed to enhancing community engagement in the management of World Heritage properties.
Available for the entire duration of the Forum.
Proficient in English, as the Forum will be conducted entirely in English.

In addition to the 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.

Application Procedure for 2023 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum (How to apply);

An interested applicant who wants to apply for the 2023 UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum, should Please note that the application form for the UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum must be completed in English. Applications submitted in other languages will not be accepted or considered. Along with providing educational and background information, candidates are required to submit their CV and a passport-sized photo. It is important to ensure that all sections of the application form are completed in full, as incomplete applications will not be considered for selection. The candidates who are chosen to participate in the forum will be notified via email.

Application Deadline: June 4, 2023

For more information visit the official website