The protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage has never been more important. From climate change and environmental degradation to social inequality and conflict, World Heritage sites face increasing challenges that require collective global action. In response, UNESCO has officially launched the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2026 Campaign, themed “Working on the Future.
Join the World Heritage Volunteers 2026 Campaign: Working on the Future
” This initiative invites youth organizations, institutions, and partners worldwide to actively engage young people in preserving humanity’s shared heritage.
Building on more than seventeen years of grassroots youth engagement and international cooperation, the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative continues to empower young people as agents of change. Through hands-on conservation work and awareness-raising activities, the 2026 campaign seeks to strengthen resilience, foster inclusion, and ensure that World Heritage remains a source of humanity and innovation for future generations.
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What Is the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative?
The World Heritage Volunteers Initiative was launched in 2008 under the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme.
Its primary goal is to encourage young people to take concrete action in the protection, preservation, and promotion of World Heritage sites around the globe. The initiative operates through action camps, which are organized by youth organizations, NGOs, institutions, and public authorities in collaboration with site managers and local communities.
These action camps mobilize both national and international volunteers to participate in practical conservation tasks, educational workshops, and community engagement activities.
Volunteers contribute directly to the state of conservation of World Heritage properties while also gaining valuable skills, intercultural experience, and a deeper understanding of global heritage values
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The initiative is coordinated by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in cooperation with Better World, and it works closely with long-standing partners such as the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS). Over the years, WHV has grown into a global movement that places youth at the center of heritage protection efforts.
WHV 2026: Working on the Future
The World Heritage Volunteers 2026 Campaign is launched within the framework of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IYV 2026). This global context highlights the essential role of volunteerism in achieving sustainable development goals and protecting shared global assets.
The 2026 theme, “Working on the Future,” emphasizes forward-looking action. It encourages projects that not only address current conservation needs but also strengthen long-term sustainability, community resilience, and inclusive participation. By involving young people directly in World Heritage sites, the campaign aims to build a new generation of heritage advocates who are equipped to face future challenges.
UNESCO is calling on historic partners and new actors alike to join this renewed effort. Whether through environmental conservation, cultural restoration, digital documentation, or awareness campaigns, the WHV 2026 initiative provides a platform for meaningful youth engagement at some of the world’s most significant heritage sites.
Who Can Participate?
The call for projects is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Youth organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Educational institutions
- Public authorities
- Heritage-focused organizations
Any organization willing to involve young people in World Heritage preservation through action camps in 2026 is encouraged to apply. Selected projects will become part of the official WHV 2026 campaign and contribute to a global network of heritage-focused volunteer activities
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Why Join the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative?
Participating in the WHV Initiative offers numerous benefits for both organizations and volunteers. It provides a unique opportunity to:
- Contribute directly to the protection of World Heritage sites
- Empower young people through hands-on learning and leadership
- Promote intercultural dialogue and international cooperation
- Strengthen community engagement around heritage conservation
- Support UNESCO’s mission of sustainable development and peace
For young volunteers, the experience is transformative. It combines practical conservation work with education, teamwork, and global citizenship, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and host communities.
How to Apply for WHV 2026
Organizations interested in joining or renewing their commitment to the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative must complete the official application form and submit it by email to the designated coordinators. Applications must be sent no later than 5 January 2026 at 23:59 CET (Paris Time).
Careful attention should be given to the project’s objectives, activities, and alignment with the values of the WHV Initiative and the 2026 campaign theme. Selected projects will play a vital role in shaping the future of World Heritage protection worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The World Heritage Volunteers 2026 – Working on the Future campaign is more than a volunteer opportunity; it is a global call to action. By bringing together young people, communities, and institutions, UNESCO continues to demonstrate that World Heritage is not only about preserving the past but also about building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
If your organization is ready to inspire youth, protect global heritage, and contribute to meaningful international cooperation, the WHV 2026 campaign offers the perfect platform to make a lasting difference.
