“Memory: Lost and Recovered Heritage”
The Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the International Cultural Centre in Krakow are going to hold the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2017 under the theme Memory: Lost and Recovered Heritage, as part of the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee and within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. The Forum has been given the financial support of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.
Dates: 25 June – 4 July 2017, prior to the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee
Venue: Warsaw, Krakow (Poland)
What and Why?
Memory and cultural heritage values are always crucial, especially in times of destruction of heritage as a result of armed conflicts and natural disasters caused by climate change. The rehabilitation of heritage is a multi-faceted process, with local communities in the centre of all activities, that needs to address the collective healing and reconciliation, with a focus on memory and identity.
The main goal of the Forum is to compare and contrast two historic centres of the two largest Polish cities – Warsaw and Krakow, and discuss them as examples of destruction and continuance. Young professionals from all over the world, between 22 and 32 years of age, who are interested in cultural heritage will have an opportunity to exchange ideas, broaden their outlook and contribute to the discussions in topics such as:
- memory and identity,
- conservation and restoration of sites,
- limits of reconstruction,
- heritage management.
The aim of the Forum is to increase the young people’s knowledge and understanding of the importance of the following:
- the implementation of the World Heritage Convention,
- the working methods of the World Heritage Committee,
- the challenges and opportunities of the protection, conservation and restoration of selected World Heritage sites carrying associative values.
Programme Details:
- visits to selected World Heritage Sites,
- meetings with international heritage experts,
- workshops and discussions on different aspects of the World Heritage sites,
- participants’ presentations,
- practicing the Youth Model simulation of the World Heritage Committee,
- drawing up the Declaration of the Forum for presentation during the Opening Ceremony of the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee,
- attending the first session of the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee,
- hands-on experience.
For Whom?
- Not younger than 22 and not older than 32 years of age,
- graduates from / involved in heritage-related fields such as: architecture, urban planning, constructional engineering, archaeology, sociology, cultural heritage, anthropology, ethnology, ethnography, economy, history, art history, communication, law, tourism, natural and cultural heritage, geography, international relations; researchers, activists, young professionals in NGOs, associations, cultural and natural heritage organisations, museums, heritage sites,
- experience in the field of heritage, in particular in the area of heritage conservation and restoration, would be an asset,
- motivated, committed to bring in their own expertise, active individuals interested in implementing the outcomes of the Forum in their respective countries.
Application Procedures
Young participants who fit the above profile and who are motivated to actively participate in the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2017 are invited to fill in the application form in English.
The application package consists of:
- an application form,
- a short biographical note including a photo (CV).
