World Heritage Volunteers 2025 Campaign: How to Apply and Benefits

Introduction

In an age where cultural preservation and sustainable development go hand-in-hand, the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2025 Campaign offers a life-changing opportunity for young people to become actively involved in the protection and promotion of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Coordinated by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in collaboration with the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), the campaign invites youth organizations and NGOs from across the globe to participate in practical, hands-on conservation efforts.

Whether you’re passionate about culture, environmental sustainability, or international cooperation, this initiative empowers volunteers to make a tangible impact on global heritage conservation.

In this detailed blog post, we break down everything you need to know about the World Heritage Volunteers 2025 Campaign: from application requirements and eligibility to timelines, benefits, and how to get involved.

What Is the World Heritage Volunteers Campaign?

The WHV Campaign is part of UNESCO’s strategy to increase awareness and support for World Heritage conservation through community involvement and youth engagement. Since its inception in 2008, the campaign has provided a platform for young volunteers to collaborate with site managers, local communities, and NGOs in preserving and promoting World Heritage sites.

Objectives of the Campaign:

Raise awareness about the importance of World Heritage
Empower youth to actively participate in heritage preservation
Promote sustainable tourism and development
Encourage intercultural dialogue and global citizenship

The campaign is grounded in UNESCO’s World Heritage Education Programme and aligns with global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This initiative is not just about restoring monuments or conducting research; it is about creating a ripple effect of youth-led actions that inspire communities and transform local engagement with global heritage issues. Through dynamic and inclusive projects, the campaign brings together people from various backgrounds and fosters lasting friendships and partnerships across borders.

Who Can Apply?

The World Heritage Volunteers 2025 Campaign is open to:

Youth organizations, NGOs, and institutions that work with volunteers and are interested in cultural preservation.
Organizations that have the capacity to host international volunteers, design fieldwork-based educational activities, and collaborate with local site managers.
Entities that demonstrate alignment with the campaign’s values, such as inclusiveness, sustainability, and community engagement.

Important Note: While individual applications are not accepted directly through this call, you can participate as a volunteer once organizations are selected and publish their projects.

This campaign is particularly geared toward groups that prioritize active youth involvement, educational innovation, and direct site-based actions. If your organization is new to this space, but you’re passionate about making a difference in cultural preservation and can build strong partnerships, this could be your entry point into global heritage work.

Timeline and Deadlines

Deadline for Organizations to Apply: 31 October 2025, 23:59 Central European Time (CET)
Implementation Period: 15 April – 15 December 2025

Selected organizations will host international volunteers to work on field-based activities during this time.

Organizations are advised to plan early, collaborate with local stakeholders, and prepare to provide a safe and engaging environment for volunteers.

Types of Activities Involved

The WHV projects often combine practical conservation work with educational workshops, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

Typical Activities Include:

Cleaning and restoring parts of heritage sites
Assisting in digital documentation
Organizing educational campaigns with locals
Facilitating school and youth workshops
Promoting sustainable tourism strategies
Supporting research and storytelling projects

Other creative possibilities might involve:

Conducting oral history interviews with local elders
Mapping traditional knowledge systems
Creating digital exhibitions and social media campaigns about heritage preservation
Collaborating with artists to develop heritage-themed murals or performances

These activities not only support the maintenance of World Heritage properties but also promote intercultural exchange and youth empowerment.

Also check: Apply for Fully Funded Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025 at UBC

Benefits of Participating

Being part of the World Heritage Volunteers Campaign offers several personal, professional, and social benefits:

For Organizations:

Gain international recognition by working under UNESCO’s endorsement
Expand your global network
Engage local communities meaningfully
Receive support for logistics and coordination from UNESCO and CCIVS

For Volunteers:

Hands-on conservation and community work experience
Opportunity to travel and explore heritage sites
Build leadership, intercultural, and teamwork skills
Receive a certificate of participation
Get inspired to pursue careers in international cooperation, education, environmental science, or cultural policy

This is a career-boosting opportunity, especially for students and young professionals interested in international development, heritage management, education, tourism, and cultural studies.

Also check: UN Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship 2025

Application Process for Organizations

Organizations interested in hosting a WHV project in 2025 must follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the Guidelines

Visit the official call and read the full WHV 2025 Campaign Guidelines carefully.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Submit your project proposal online via the dedicated portal. You’ll need to provide:

Details about your organization
Proposed project plan, location, and timeline
Description of volunteer activities and expected outcomes
Confirmation of cooperation with local World Heritage Site managers

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

Make sure your application is complete and submitted before 31 October 2025, 23:59 CET.

Proposals that show innovation, inclusiveness, and a strong understanding of local heritage contexts are more likely to be approved.

Selection Criteria

UNESCO and CCIVS will assess applications based on:

Quality and clarity of the proposed project
Feasibility and logistics planning
Previous experience with volunteers or World Heritage activities
Commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness
Partnerships with local site authorities and communities

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects will have a lasting impact on the site and local population.

How Can Individuals Participate?

Once organizations are selected, they will publish specific projects on their platforms and/or UNESCO’s partner portals. At that point:

👉 Individuals can apply to volunteer in one or more of these projects depending on their interest, location, and travel availability.

Volunteers typically:

Cover their travel costs
May receive accommodation and food from the hosting organization
Participate for 1–3 weeks on site

Where to Find These Projects:

UNESCO’s official website
CCIVS
Partner NGOs’ websites and social media platforms

Some organizations may also share calls via Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn, so follow those pages for updates.

Success Stories and Impact

Since its launch, the WHV campaign has:

Hosted over 500 projects across 80+ countries
Engaged over 10,000 youth volunteers
Helped maintain dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Volunteers have worked at iconic locations such as:

The Great Wall of China
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (Japan)
Stone Town of Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Historic Centre of Florence (Italy)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)

These stories serve as a powerful testament to the campaign’s real-world impact and the sense of purpose and belonging it inspires in participants.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Get Involved

The World Heritage Volunteers 2025 Campaign is more than a volunteer opportunity, t’s a chance to contribute to something that spans history, culture, environment, and education. It’s perfect for individuals and organizations looking to:

Make a real-world impact
Collaborate on global issues
Learn, grow, and connect with diverse cultures

This is a call to action for changemakers who believe in the power of heritage to unite, educate, and inspire. Whether you’re a youth searching for meaningful travel or an NGO ready to host a vibrant cultural exchange, WHV 2025 is your chance to step into global citizenship.

For More Info:

Check out the official Campaign Page: UNESCO WHV 2025

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