Youth engagement in UNESCO designated sites. Empowering youth towards sustainable development

Young people are considered the future of cities and territories, they have the potential to make change happen. Considering UNESCO’s work on youth:

– UNESCO Youth Programme to drive social innovation and change, participate fully in the development of societies, eradicate poverty and inequality and foster a culture of peace

– Operational strategy on Youth (2014-2021), which is the result of a long process of consultation, engaging young people and Member States

Youth engagement in UNESCO designated sites should be supported, considering the involvement of young people in decision-making arrangements.

UNESCO designations represent the ideal contexts to strengthen education and active participation of youth involving them in the promotion of a more equitable and sustainable society.

Workshop subtopics are preliminarily identified on the role of UNESCO designations for:

1. Creating connections and engaging educational institutions through cross-sectorial collaboration, dissemination and knowledge transfer.

2. Interpreting UNESCO values in youth involvement with the promotion of inclusive learning environments and the enforcement of awareness through informal education and cultural activities.

3. Supporting innovative youth actions through collaboration with local businesses following sustainable development models.

The workshop is targeted on a mix of young professionals, educators, cultural practitioners, officers with a role within a UNESCO designated site or community, and other relevant institutional actors responsible for World Heritage properties, Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO Creative Cities, and elements inscribed in the UNESCO Lists and Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Other practitioners such as professionals in universities, scholars/researchers, independent experts, staff from international organizations or NGOs, etc. can also apply.

The workshop concept is based on empowering youth and strengthening education towards sustainable development. Strengthening young people’s skills, capacity building and increasing awareness of cultural and social contexts and the environment in which they live and work is the way to actively and effectively include and engage young people in decision-making processes.

The focus is on the potential of UNESCO designations to enhance such a process involving future generations, with a cross-sectoral approach between education and culture.