The 8th edition of the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum (WHSMF26) is now open for applications. Organised in conjunction with the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, this global forum will bring together World Heritage site managers and management teams to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise, and promote participatory approaches to heritage management.
The Forum is hosted by the Republic of Korea and convened in partnership with leading international heritage institutions.
Event Overview
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Host Country: Republic of Korea
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Organisers: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICCROM, and International Union for Conservation of Nature through the World Heritage Leadership Programme, in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH)
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Partner: International Council on Monuments and Sites
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Venue: Busan, Republic of Korea
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Dates: 16–23 July 2026 (excluding travel dates)
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Language: English (with interpretation in Korean and French)
Theme: Connection and Communication – Participatory Approaches to Managing World Heritage
The 2026 Forum focuses on strengthening connection and communication as essential pillars for effective World Heritage management.
States Parties to the World Heritage Convention are encouraged to adopt human rights–based and people-centred approaches that ensure inclusive participation in the identification, nomination, management, and protection of World Heritage properties. This year’s theme underscores the importance of governance systems that are interconnected, transparent, and responsive to stakeholders.
Through dialogue and practical exchange, participants will explore:
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Sustainable management through inclusive, people-centred approaches
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Integrated governance of World Heritage properties
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Research- and data-driven decision-making for conservation awareness
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Coordinated risk management for heritage and communities
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Communicating heritage values to revitalize local communities
Additional discussions will reflect the diverse World Heritage properties represented by selected participants.
Objectives of WHSMF26
The Forum aims to:
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Promote international cooperation among site managers and coordinate global actions for protecting cultural and natural heritage.
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Strengthen and expand the international network of World Heritage site managers.
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Advance conservation standards, responsible practices, research, and innovation.
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Support site managers with guidance to maximize the potential of World Heritage properties.
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Advocate for policies, strategies, and tools that link sustainable development with heritage protection.
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Provide participants the opportunity to observe deliberations of the World Heritage Committee, particularly discussions on State of Conservation (SOC) reports.
Why Apply?
The World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum offers a unique platform for heritage professionals to:
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Engage in high-level global discussions
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Exchange practical knowledge and field experience
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Expand international professional networks
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Contribute to advancing inclusive and sustainable heritage management
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
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Current World Heritage site managers and professionals working within site management teams (natural, cultural, and mixed properties).
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Only one participant per World Heritage property will be accepted.
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For transboundary or transnational properties, one participant per State Party may be accepted.
Selection Priorities
Priority consideration will be given to:
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Site managers of properties under Reactive Monitoring.
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Properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
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Applicants who have not attended previous editions of the Forum.
Selection will also aim to ensure balanced regional representation, gender balance, age diversity, and representation of different types of World Heritage properties.
Financial Conditions
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Selected participants are responsible for their round-trip travel, accommodation, and living expenses in Busan.
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Participants are encouraged to seek funding from their institutions, employers, governments, or other funding agencies.
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A limited number of travel grants are available for participants from:
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Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
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Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
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States Parties in conflict or post-conflict situations
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Please note that travel grants are not automatic and will be confirmed alongside selection results.
Participants must commit to attending the full duration of the Forum. Confirmed participants will be communicated to their respective State Party Delegations.
Application Process
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Applications must be submitted in English or French only.
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A professional CV (maximum 2 pages, PDF format) is required.
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Applications must be submitted via the official online form for the 8th World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum.
Deadline: 22 March 2026 at 23:59 (CET)
Selection Results Announcement: From 27 April 2026
If you are a World Heritage site manager committed to strengthening participatory governance and sustainable conservation, WHSMF26 presents an invaluable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and lead.
