UNESCO Youth Forum brings together young storytellers, filmmakers, heritage enthusiasts and creative practitioners, the UNESCO Youth Forum supports participation in the 2026 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads in Changsha and Nanjing, China, with all expenses covered for selected participants.
The forum is organized by UNESCO as an annual initiative launched in 2017 to provide a platform for youth to exchange ideas on cultural heritage, intercultural collaboration and responsible use of AI. Previous editions brought together hundreds of participants from many countries.
UNESCO Youth Forum Benefits
- Round-trip international economy-class airfare
- Accommodation in Changsha and Nanjing
- Meals during the forum
- Local transportation related to forum activities
- China visa application fee
- Travel insurance
UNESCO Youth Forum Eligibility Criteria
- Be 18–32 years old
- Be willing to learn and apply UNESCO’s Youth Lens storytelling approach
- Be able to use AI to showcase the beauty and innovation of local cultural heritage
- Be able to collaborate effectively in an international, cross-cultural team
- Have relevant interests or experience as a storyteller, filmmaker, heritage enthusiast or creative practitioner.
How to Apply for UNESCO Youth Forum
- Submit your application through the official application portal
- There is no application fee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UNESCO Youth Forum Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, dates, deadlines, and how to apply for the 2026 forum.
What is the UNESCO Youth Forum 2026?
The UNESCO 2026 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads is an annual initiative organized by UNESCO that brings together young storytellers, filmmakers, heritage enthusiasts and creative practitioners to exchange ideas, explore cultural heritage and strengthen intercultural collaboration. The 2026 edition focuses on youth-led creative heritage expression in the age of AI and takes place in Changsha and Nanjing, China.
Where and when will the 2026 forum take place?
The 2026 International Youth Forum will take place in the Cities of Changsha and Nanjing in China. The forum dates are 15–20 November 2026 as stated in the official information about the event.
Who can apply for the UNESCO Youth Forum Scholarship?
Applicants should be between 18 and 32 years old and have relevant interests or experience as a storyteller, filmmaker, heritage enthusiast or creative practitioner. Applicants must be willing to learn and apply UNESCO’s Youth Lens storytelling approach and be able to use AI to showcase local cultural heritage while collaborating effectively in international cross-cultural teams.
What costs are covered for selected participants?
Selected participants receive fully funded support that includes round-trip international economy-class airfare, accommodation in Changsha and Nanjing, meals during the forum, local transportation related to forum activities, China visa application fee, and travel insurance, as listed in the official program benefits.
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee for the UNESCO 2026 International Youth Forum. The official announcement explicitly states that there is no application fee and that all expenses are covered for selected participants.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the UNESCO 2026 International Youth Forum is 27 September 2026, as indicated in the official overview information provided in the program announcement.
How do I apply for the forum?
Applicants are required to submit their application through the official application portal. The announcement includes a direct link to the UNESCO webpage and instructs applicants to use the official application portal linked from the UNESCO page to apply.
What themes will the 2026 forum focus on?
The 2026 edition focuses on youth-led creative heritage expression in the age of AI, exploring new ways of interpreting and presenting cultural heritage through the responsible use of artificial intelligence, according to the official description of the forum.
Who organizes the International Youth Forum?
The International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads is organized by UNESCO and its partners. The initiative was launched in 2017 and has since provided a platform for youth from different countries to exchange ideas on cultural heritage and intercultural collaboration.
Are there age or skill requirements related to AI and storytelling?
Yes. Applicants should be able to use AI to showcase the beauty and innovation of local cultural heritage and be willing to learn and apply UNESCO’s Youth Lens storytelling approach. The forum seeks participants with relevant interests or experience in storytelling, filmmaking, heritage, or creative practice.
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