World Heritage Young Professionals Forum convenes in South Korea

On 13 May, the UNESCO‑linked 2026 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum opened at Seoul’s National Museum of Korean History. Thirty‑two early‑career experts, aged 23‑32, representing 30 countries gathered to discuss youth‑led stewardship of cultural heritage.

The participants toured Korean World Heritage sites such as Changdeokgung Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Bulguksa Temple and the Gyeongju Historic Areas, before the main UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan later in May. The forum’s theme – “World Heritage, Community, Education: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change” – guided workshops on local‑centric management, education and research.

Speakers highlighted the need for youth involvement: Italian participant Angela Fuponi said, “World‑heritage discourse must be led by young professionals.” Egyptian delegate Yasmine Abdo warned, “If we don’t properly educate students, we plant seeds of conflict.” Korean representative Lee Jae‑hoon called for governance structures that give youth a voice in heritage decisions. The delegates will draft a Youth Declaration to be presented at the UNESCO committee on 20 May.