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Summary

• Programme: 2026 International Youth Forum (IYF) on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads
• Organisers: UNESCO, Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the Municipal Governments of Changsha and Nanjing
• Location: Changsha and Nanjing, China
• Dates: 15–20 November 2026
• Theme: Youth-led Creative Heritage Expression in the Age of AI
• Eligible age: 18–32 years
• Target participants: Storytellers, filmmakers, heritage enthusiasts and creative practitioners
• Key requirement: Applicants should be willing to use UNESCO’s “Youth Lens” for storytelling
• AI component: Applicants should integrate AI to showcase local heritage
• Application requirement: Application including a video portfolio
• Deadline: 27 September 2026, 23:59 Beijing Time (UTC+8)

About the Scholarship/Programme

The International Youth Forum (IYF) on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads is an annual youth forum initiated by UNESCO and its partners in 2017. The forum creates a platform for young people to engage in intercultural dialogue and explore creative approaches to cultural heritage, particularly across countries connected by the Silk Roads. UNESCO states that previous editions have brought together more than 800 young participants from 146 countries.

The 2026 International Youth Forum will take place from 15 to 20 November 2026 in the Chinese cities of Changsha and Nanjing.

This year’s theme is “Youth-led Creative Heritage Expression in the Age of AI.” UNESCO is seeking creative practitioners interested in exploring innovative ways of interpreting and presenting cultural heritage, including through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The 2026 forum is organised by UNESCO, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the municipal governments of Changsha and Nanjing. Changsha is a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, while Nanjing is a UNESCO Creative City of Literature.

Scholarship Benefits

The official UNESCO announcement does not state that the 2026 IYF is a fully funded scholarship or publish a list of travel, accommodation, meals, visa or stipend benefits.

Accordingly, applicants should not assume that airfare, accommodation or other expenses are covered unless UNESCO provides additional official information directly to selected participants.

What the official announcement confirms is that selected participants will have the opportunity to participate in an international youth forum focused on creative heritage expression, responsible use of AI, storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration.

Who Can Apply?

UNESCO’s official call identifies applicants who:

• Are between 18 and 32 years old.
• Are willing to learn and apply UNESCO’s “Youth Lens” for storytelling.
• Can integrate AI to showcase the beauty and innovation of local heritage.
• Are willing to collaborate in international, cross-cultural teams.

The call specifically invites storytellers, filmmakers, heritage enthusiasts and creative practitioners who are interested in innovative approaches to cultural heritage.

The official announcement does not state a specific nationality restriction, academic qualification or university requirement.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the official call

Read UNESCO’s official announcement carefully to confirm the theme, eligibility requirements, dates and application instructions.

Step 2: Prepare your application materials

The official call specifically states that the application should include a video portfolio. Applicants should therefore prepare their creative work before beginning the submission.

Step 3: Submit the online application

Applications are submitted through the official application portal provided by UNESCO.

Step 4: Submit before the deadline

Complete and submit the application, including the required video portfolio, no later than 27 September 2026 at 23:59 Beijing Time (UTC+8).

Step 5: Await further communication

Applicants should monitor the contact details supplied in their application for any communication from the organisers concerning the selection process.

Important Deadline

Deadline: 27 September 2026 at 23:59 Beijing Time (UTC+8).

Because the deadline is very close, prospective applicants should complete their application and video portfolio as early as possible.

Related Opportunities

• Talk Talk Korea 2026 — Fully Funded Trip to South Korea
• Korea Youth Summit 2027 — Call for Applications
• IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The UNESCO 2026 International Youth Forum provides an opportunity for young creative practitioners to explore the intersection of cultural heritage, storytelling and artificial intelligence in an international setting.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the 18–32 age requirement, video portfolio requirement, AI component and cross-cultural collaboration expectations. Most importantly, applicants should rely on UNESCO’s official information when assessing costs and participation arrangements, as the official call does not currently state that the programme is fully funded.

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