Background and Vision
Launched in 1994 by UNESCO, the World Heritage Education Programme (WHEP) was designed to engage young people in the understanding and protection of cultural and natural heritage. Yet despite its global significance, participation has remained uneven. World Heritage sites are not equally distributed, many management bodies lack established youth engagement mechanisms, and young participants often struggle to find appropriate sites, reliable contacts, or clear pathways for involvement. As a result, the initiative has often remained at the level of concept rather than practice.
The World Heritage Exploration and Action Programme, supported by SCENES, seeks to address this gap. Our vision is to make every World Heritage site suitable for youth engagement truly accessible to young people worldwide. By creating structured opportunities and introducing a World Heritage Badge and Certification system, we transform the protection and interpretation of heritage into practical, youth-led actions directly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How We Work
Rigorous Selection and Project Design
We carefully identify World Heritage sites that are both suitable and safe for youth participation, taking into account educational value, cultural attributes, and community relevance. Each selected site is developed into structured projects that combine exploration, learning, and service.
Expert Mentorship and Educational Guidance
Projects are supported by a network of experts in archaeology, heritage management, ecology, and community development. This ensures that participants receive professional guidance at every stage—from initial exploration to hands-on service activities.
Living and Safety Support
We recognize that for cross-border youth participation, housing, meals, and safety are non-negotiable foundations. Each project includes comprehensive local living arrangements and risk management systems, providing participants with secure accommodations, reliable food provision, and emergency safeguards. This allows young people to fully focus on learning and service while feeling safe and supported.
One-Stop Participation and Certification
From enrollment and on-site coordination to mentorship and living arrangements, we provide an integrated, one-stop framework. Upon completion, participants receive a World Heritage Badge or Certificate with a unique identifier, recorded through the SCENES Digital Certification Platform. These records are verifiable internationally, offering participants recognition that is both educational and globally relevant.
Our Role and Contribution
SCENES plays a critical role as the connector, enabler, and accelerator of this programme. We are not the custodians of heritage sites, but rather the platform that transforms UNESCO’s global vision into operational reality by:
This is not merely a support service—it is a historic and transformative endeavor. By enabling young people to take part in heritage education and protection, we are helping UNESCO realize its principle that “World Heritage belongs to all humanity” and ensuring it becomes a lived reality for the next generation.
Building a global project network, connecting youth with more heritage sites across regions.
Strengthening international recognition of the Badge and Certificate system as a credible credential for education, service, and youth leadership.
Fostering cross-border collaboration, enabling young people from different countries to jointly engage in heritage protection.
Integrating with SDG agendas, linking heritage education with climate action, sustainable communities, and cultural preservation.
Through the World Heritage Exploration and Action Programme, SCENES is not only enabling young people to see heritage, but also to enter it, serve it, and grow through it. This is our most symbolic contribution to advancing UNESCO’s educational mission and the global sustainable development agenda.