To all the young aspiring storytellers, filmmakers, and heritage enthusiasts, do you want an immersive experience in China through a fully funded international youth forum? You have landed in the right place. UNESCO is pleased to announce the call for applications for its International Youth Forum 2026 on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road, a fully funded international youth forum organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO and the Governments of Nanjing and Changsha. The forum is designed for young applicants aged 18-32 who are interested in storytelling, filmmaking, creative work, and cultural heritage.
The forum brings together storytellers, filmmakers, and heritage enthusiasts in Changsha and Nanjing, China, for the 6-day international youth forum taking place November 15-20, 2026. The forum is centered on the theme of Youth-led Creative Heritage Expression in the Age of AI, allowing participants to explore innovative ways to present cultural heritage, including the responsible use of AI. No application fee is required. Submit your application by September 27, 2026. Read more details below.
UNESCO International Youth Forum 2026 Overview
- Host Country: China
- Duration: 6 Days
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: September 27, 2026
Forum Location & Dates
The 6-day forum will take place in Changsha and Nanjing, China, from 15 to 20 November 2026.
About the International Youth Forum
It’s an international youth forum designed to bring young people together to explore new ways to present cultural heritage. The 2026 edition of the forum focuses on the theme of Youth-led Creative Heritage Expression in the Age of AI, allowing participants to examine how AI and creative storytelling can be used to showcase local heritage.
Forum Coverage
Selected particpants will receive
- Round-trip airfare coverage
- Accommodation in Nanjing and Changsha during forum dates
- Local transportation costs
- Visa Application fee
Who can Apply?
UNESCO is inviting applications from applicants meeting the following criteria:
- Applicants aged 18-32 at the time of application
- Calling storytellers, heritage enthusiasts, filmmakers, creative practitioners, or young people interested in AI and cultural heritage
- Interested in creative expression and cultural heritage
- Willing to learn and apply UNESCO’s “Youth Lens” for storytelling
- Interested in using AI to present local heritage
- Willing to collaborate with international partner teams
- Willing to submit a video portfolio as part of the application
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work with cross-cultural teams
- Learn to use AI to showcase local heritage
- Apply UNESCO’s youth lens to storytelling
- Connect with UNESCO practitioners
- Gain experience in cultural heritage storytelling
- Experience life in Changsha and Nanjing, China during forum dates
Also check:
How to Apply?
Applicants interested in the UNESCO International Youth Forum 2026 need to submit an online application through the official application portal and include a portfolio video.
To apply and for more details, visit the official link below.
APPLY FOR 2026 UNESCO IYF CHINA
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