From now on until March 31, the “2025 Asia-Pacific World Heritage Young Masters” is open to recruitment.

The UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia-Pacific Region (WHITRAP Suzhou) are pleased to launch the “World Heritage Young Masters Initiative”. This pioneering program aims to recognize and empower the next generation of heritage conservation leaders by showcasing their innovative cultural heritage projects across the region.

Youth are the future custodians of the world’s heritage and a driving force behind its sustainable development. The “World Heritage Young Masters initiative” seeks to strengthen the transmission of heritage building skills among young people, encourage their participation in cultural heritage protection, and foster creativity and leadership within youth communities. It focuses on replicable innovative practices in cultural heritage and builds an international platform for youth participation in heritage protection, contributing to the sustainable development of society and the economy through case selection, academic exchanges, and showcasing of achievements.

Eligible cases include wooden structure dominated protection projects completed within the last 10 years at cultural heritage sites, encompassing but is not limited to restoration, extension, reconstruction and new construction in the historical contexts.

An Evaluation Committee, composed of renowned experts in cultural heritage protection, will review the submitted cases, rigorously verifying the accuracy and completeness of the materials. After the evaluation, the shortlisted candidates will be announced 21 April 2025. Participants who meet the standards will be invited to attend the inaugural "Asia-Pacific World Heritage Young Masters" workshop in Suzhou.