2025 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads (2025 IYF)

November 17-22, 2025

Nanjing & Changsha, China - From November 17 to 22, 2025, UNESCO will organize the 2025 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads (hereinafter referred to as "IYF") in collaboration with the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, the Nanjing Municipal Government, the Changsha Municipal Government, and the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA).

IYF has always been committed to inspiring young people worldwide to actively participate in the inheritance and innovative development of cultural heritage. Since its launch in 2017, IYF has attracted over 700 outstanding youth representatives from 138 countries for exchanges and learning, making significant contributions to the protection, exchange, and mutual learning of cultural heritage under the Belt and Road Initiative.

This year, IYF will focus on the theme "Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Youth for Heritage Protection and Inheritance," guiding young people from various countries to inherit cultural heritage through modern approaches, encouraging them to proactively learn and share experiences, and facilitating cultural exchanges amongst nations. 40 internationally recruited youth participants from 39 countries, and 36 locally invited youth representatives from 11 countries (total 76 participants from 45 countries) will embark on an exploration journey of cultural heritage in Nanjing and Changsha. They will gain in-depth knowledge of relevant technologies and protection policies, and share their experiences, insights, and reflections at this forum.