The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has officially launched the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2025 Campaign, themed “Working on the Future”. This initiative marks a continued global commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development through voluntary action.
A Global Movement for Heritage and Humanity
Now in its 17th year, the WHV initiative remains a cornerstone of grassroots youth engagement in heritage conservation. Since its inception in 2008, it has inspired thousands of young people worldwide to become active custodians of humanity’s shared cultural and natural legacy. The 2025 edition will span from April to December and involve 89 action camp projects across 82 World Heritage properties and Tentative List sites in 41 countries, led by 70 partner organizations.
These international and local volunteer camps offer more than just hands-on conservation experiences. They serve as incubators of change—bringing together young people, site managers, local communities, and organizations to collaborate in preserving some of the most iconic and endangered cultural and natural sites on the planet.
Theme: “Working on the Future”
The theme reflects an urgent and optimistic call to action. As the world grapples with social, environmental, and cultural challenges, these volunteer-driven initiatives play a key role in fostering inclusive and resilient societies. The WHV 2025 projects aim to spark meaningful interaction between youth and heritage, creating opportunities for learning, empowerment, and international cooperation.
The hands-on activities range from restoration and maintenance to educational outreach, sustainable tourism practices, and community engagement. These projects provide a unique blend of practical skill-building and intercultural exchange, ensuring volunteers gain not just experience, but a deep appreciation for global heritage and their role in safeguarding it.
What Is the WHV Initiative?
Launched by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in collaboration with Better World, the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative is a global platform for action-oriented youth involvement. It encourages the protection and promotion of World Heritage sites through on-the-ground volunteer activities. Projects are designed and implemented by local organizations and institutions, often in partnership with community stakeholders and heritage professionals.
Volunteers, both national and international, engage in awareness-raising programs, site maintenance, research, cultural documentation, and heritage education. These projects contribute directly to the goals of the World Heritage Convention and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to education, partnerships, reduced inequalities, and climate action.
Opportunities in Africa: Kenya-Based Projects
Among the wide array of global opportunities, Kenya is set to host several WHV projects through dedicated organizations such as Girls to Women Foundation, Faraja Africa Foundation, and Kenia Voluntary Service Organisation (KVSO). These projects highlight the cultural and ecological richness of Kenya’s heritage landscape:
- WHV – The Tana Delta and Forests Complex – Girls to Women Foundation
- WHV – The Historic Town of Gedi – Girls to Women Foundation
- WHV – Coastal Forests of Kenya (Arabuko Sokoke Forests and Shimba Hills National Reserve) – Girls to Women Foundation
- WHV – Lamu Old Town – Girls to Women Foundation
- WHV – Fort Jesus, Mombasa – Faraja Africa Foundation
- WHV – The African Great Rift Valley (The Maasai Mara) – KVSO
- WHV – Kakamega Forest – KVSO
- WHV – Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site – KVSO
These sites represent diverse elements of both tangible and intangible heritage—from ancient Swahili settlements to globally significant ecological zones. Volunteers participating in these Kenyan projects will work closely with local communities, heritage authorities, and conservation experts, making meaningful contributions to site preservation and community development.
How to Become a WHV Volunteer
Volunteering through WHV is open to all young people passionate about heritage, culture, and sustainable development. To participate, prospective volunteers must review the list of selected projects for the 2025 campaign and choose the one that aligns best with their interests, timeline, and availability.
Each project listing includes a brief description, activities involved, expected duration, and contact details of the implementing organization. Volunteers are required to contact the hosting organization directly for details on the application process, eligibility, costs, and logistics.
It is important to note that UNESCO and Better World do not manage volunteer applications or selections. Instead, these responsibilities lie entirely with the project-implementing partners.
Why Volunteer with WHV?
Volunteering with WHV is more than an opportunity to travel—it’s a chance to leave a legacy. Participants gain practical conservation skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a lifelong connection to World Heritage. Whether restoring ancient ruins, organizing educational workshops, or supporting biodiversity initiatives, WHV volunteers actively contribute to creating a better, more inclusive future.
Volunteers also develop critical soft skills, including teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and intercultural communication—assets that enrich personal growth and professional development.
Furthermore, by participating in the WHV campaign, volunteers become part of a global network of changemakers working toward a common goal: ensuring that the world’s most valuable cultural and natural treasures are preserved for future generations.
Final Thoughts
The WHV 2025 Campaign exemplifies what is possible when young people are empowered to act locally and think globally. In a world that often feels divided, these projects build bridges—between people, cultures, and generations. They demonstrate that heritage is not just about monuments or landscapes, but about identity, resilience, and shared humanity.
For those who believe in making a difference, preserving cultural legacies, and contributing to a sustainable world, now is the time to act. Choose a project, reach out, and become a part of something bigger.
Explore the full list of projects and start your application process today. Your future—and the future of our world heritage—starts here.
Visit the official website
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
