The future of cultural heritage hinges on the voices of young professionals from around the globe.
At the 2026 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum in South Korea, 32 participants from 30 countries are discussing the vital role of youth in heritage conservation. The forum, which runs until July 21, aims to empower young people as agents of change in preserving cultural heritage.
Youth Empowerment at World Heritage Forum
The forum emphasizes the importance of intergenerational dialogue in cultural heritage. Participants like Lee Jae-hoon from South Korea advocate for youth involvement in decision-making processes related to heritage conservation. He believes that young people must actively engage in shaping how heritage is understood and preserved.
Angela Puppini from Italy highlights the strengths of younger professionals, particularly their ability to leverage digital technology for heritage preservation. This interconnectedness allows for effective sharing of ideas and values, essential for addressing contemporary challenges like climate change.
Participants Share Diverse Perspectives
Each participant brings unique insights to the forum. Yasmein Abdo from Egypt emphasizes the dual role of cultural education in uniting or dividing communities. She argues that education should extend beyond classrooms, fostering community engagement across generations.
The forum also serves as a platform for participants to learn from each other and explore how different countries manage and interpret their cultural heritage. This exchange of ideas is crucial for inspiring innovative approaches to heritage conservation.
Next Steps for Heritage Conservation
- Participants will present a Youth Declaration to the World Heritage Committee on July 20.
- The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee opens on July 19 in Busan.
- Discussions will continue on the roles of communities, education, and youth in heritage conservation.
Young voices are essential for the future of cultural heritage.
