In July 2024, the vibrant city of Delhi, India, will play host to an extraordinary gathering aimed at young professionals with a passion for World Heritage: the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum. This event, scheduled from the 14th to the 23rd of July, is organized as a key highlight of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India, under the auspices of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. Themed “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth,” this forum is a golden opportunity for young minds to delve into the preservation, promotion, and protection of our world’s natural and cultural heritage.

Designed to bolster the skills and knowledge of young professionals, the forum is a platform where participants can engage deeply with the principles of World Heritage and Sustainable Development. It encourages them to become proactive contributors within their communities, leveraging the World Heritage Convention’s framework to make impactful changes. Besides theoretical knowledge, attendees will gain practical insights into India’s rich heritage and its management strategies. The culmination of this event will see the participants presenting a Declaration to the World Heritage Committee, marking a significant contribution to the global heritage conversation.

For those eager to seize this unique opportunity, the forum is open to applicants aged between 23 and 32, with experience in fields related to World Heritage such as conservation, archaeology, architecture, urban planning, restoration, art history, tourism, climate change, and digital technology. Prospects should be motivated to apply the forum’s outcomes in their home countries and be available for the entire duration of the event. Proficiency in English is a must since the forum will be conducted entirely in this language. The application deadline is set for April 30, 2024, and interested candidates can apply through UNESCO’s official site. It’s worth noting that the forum is fully funded, covering flights, accommodations, local transport, and meals, ensuring a focus on learning and collaboration without financial burdens.