International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads (IYF2) 21-27 May 2018

UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, is pleased to invite youth aged 18-30 living in countries including Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, or Europe to participate in the ‘International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads 2’. IYF2 is to be held in Changsha and Nanjing, China, 21-27 May 2018, and its theme will focus on “Advancing Creativity for Development” and “Creativity and Literature Forum”, in conjunction with the 'Experience Changsha Media Arts Program' 28 May-15 June 2018. 

Youth are the most dynamic group in contemporary society, full of creativity, entrepreneurial ideas, and imagination which aids in the ability to advance meaningful change.  The objectives of the International Youth Forum are to give youth a chance to state their interests and voice on advancing creativity, heritage, and literature for development, and to mobilize their increased involvement in the cultural and creative industries, as well as in the protection and promotion of our common heritage.  

The United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030 acknowledges the key role of culture, emphasizing the function of heritage and creativity in order to solve sustainable development challenges.  Approximately 80 delegates are expected to participate in IYF2 – 40 from Silk Roads countries in Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe, and 40 delegates from China. 

Participants are invited to apply via various channels, including those of UNESCO.  Candidates will be selected based on objective criteria such as years of experience implementing projects in the cultural and creative industries, or in heritage protection or safeguarding.  Gender consideration will be a factor in the selection process to ensure equal representation.  Senior Officials from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, as well as other leading figures, will be invited to deliver brief, a dynamic presentation on the themes of  “Advancing Creativity for Development” and “Creativity and Literature Forum”.

You may download the Application Form for IYF2 from the following link, and submit your filled out application form to apyd@unesco.org