Call for Applications: Young Masters for Heritage Conservation 2026

Poster © UNESCO

The UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia-Pacific Region, Suzhou Center (WHITR-AP Suzhou) are pleased to launch the 2026 Call for Application for the "Young Masters for Heritage Conservation" program.

Organizing Institutions

Hosts

UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia

Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Gardens and Landscaping

World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO

Organizer

World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO, Suzhou Centre

Time and Location

Application: 1 May to 30 June 2026

Evaluation: 1 July to 15 July 2026

Announcement of results and workshop registration: 16 to 22 July 2026

Workshop in Suzhou (China): End of August/early September 2026

Format and Content

Submissions are invited in accordance with the scope and criteria outlined below.

All applications will be reviewed by an expert committee, and selected candidates will be invited to participate in the "World Heritage Young Masters for Conservation Workshop" to be held in Suzhou.

The workshop will focus on:

Conservation and integrated management of architectural and landscape components of historic gardens;

Integration of traditional knowledge, craftmanship, and skills with contemporary garden practices;

Cultural interpretation, creative activation and public engagement strategies of historic gardens as living heritage.

During the workshop, participants will present their work, engage in thematic discussions, and contribute to a curated exhibition showcasing innovative practices in historic garden conservation.

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be presented with a "Young Masters for Heritage Conservation" certificate.

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Selection Scope

(1) Target audience

Applicants may include:

Conservation architects, traditional building engineers, landscape architects and garden designers;

Heritage conservation professionals, site managers, and practitioners working on historic gardens and related cultural landscapes;

Professionals from creative industries whose work engages with, interprets, or revitalizes historic garden heritage.

(2) Eligible projects

Eligible projects should relate to historic gardens and may include, but are not limited to:

Conservation and restoration of historic gardens and their architectural and landscape elements;

Integration of traditional knowledge, craftmanship, and sustainable practices;

Climate resilience and biodiversity conservation in historic gardens;

Public participation and innovative approaches in integrating historic gardens to contemporary urban life;

Creative approaches linking historic gardens with design, art, or cultural programming.

Projects should have been completed within the last 10 years and demonstrate tangible outcomes and impact. They do not need to be located within World Heritage sites.

Application Process

(1) Application period

Applications must be submitted to the organizer's email (jgzx_gjjl@hotmail.com) by 30 June 2026.

(2) Application requirements

Applicants must be the primary participants in the submitted projects.

Each applicant may submit up to two innovative projects in one application.

(3) Copyright statement

All submitted materials will not be returned.

By submitting the application, applicants grant UNESCO and WHITR-AP Suzhou the right to use, publish, display, or disseminate the materials without compensation.

(4) Required materials for application

Each application should include the following documents:

a. World Heritage Young Masters Application Form

b. Project(s) description (with text and images, in PDF format)

c. (If available) Recommendation letter from an institution or expert (confirming the applicant's primary role in the project, with official seal or signature.)

d. Drawings (A3 format), photos (minimum 150 dpi), published papers, research reports, videos, etc.

e. (If available) Copies of relevant qualifications (e.g., professional titles, skill certificates, project awards, etc.)

Incomplete applications will not be submitted to the Evaluation Committee.

Contact Information

World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO, Suzhou Centre

Address: No. 38 North Zhangjia Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R.China

Phone: +86-512-67552133, +86-512-67552305

Fax: +86-512-67552105

Email: jgzx_gjjl@hotmail.com

Application Form

Scan the QR codes to download.

If you are passionate about safeguarding world heritage and culture, and wish to join this global youth exchange network, please scan the QR code above to view the recruitment announcement and prepare all required application documents in accordance with the requirements. Let us join hands and endow the common cultural and natural heritage of humanity with enduring vitality.

For more details, please refer to Call for Applications: Young Masters for Heritage Conservation 2026

Source: 联合国教科文组织 (WeChat ID: UNESCO_China ), 苏州园林官微 (WeChat ID: suzhou-yllh)