Call for Entries: 2026 HIST Award on Sustainable Development of UNESCO-designated Sites

The International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the Auspices of UNESCO is calling for case studies on best practices of digital technologies for the conservation and sustainable development of UNESCO-designated sites. 

Objective

The HIST Award on Sustainable Development of UNESCO-designated Sites aims at recognizing exemplary efforts by site management institutions, heritage-related research institutes, universities, museums, enterprises, foundations and other stakeholders from UNESCO Member States and international organizations on best practices of digital technologies for the conservation and sustainable development of UNESCO-designated sites to support the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation will consider the following three aspects:

Innovative: The submitted case study should innovatively use digital technologies and approaches for conservation and management of UNESCO-designated sites.  Digital technologies include but are not limited to: big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, 5G, block chain, digital twins, the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite remote sensing, geographic information systems, global satellite navigation systems, etc.

Sustainable: The submitted case study should use digital technologies and approaches to improve environmental, social and economic sustainable development of UNESCO-designated sites.

Exemplary: The submitted case study should be able to form an example of digital technology based solutions that have a certain degree of promotability and universal applicability for the protection and management of UNESCO-designated sites.

*Note: Only first-time submissions are eligible.

Award

HIST will organize a panel of experts to select best case studies, which will be awarded at the 5th Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO-designated Sites and Sustainable Development in Huangshan City, Anhui Province from May 31 to June 1, 2026.

Winners will receive a certificate from HIST, attend future training/academic conferences free of charge and promote their case studies worldwide through HIST’ international platform.

Application Timeline

•  May 20: Case Submission Deadline

•  May 20 – May 22: Expert Review

•  May 22: Awardee Announcement

•  May 31: Award Ceremony

Application Dossier

Applicant Organizations are required to prepare the following materials:

•  Application Form: Please download and accurately complete the application form (see attachment for details).

•  Other supportive documents.

All submitted materials must be in electronic format in English. Please ensure that any materials intended for public dissemination have received the necessary authorization and approval.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted to HIST Secretariat by email to office@unesco-hist.org, with the subject “Name of Applicant Organization + Title of Case Studies” and the application form in English (see below) duly signed no later than May 20, 2026, 24:00 China Standard Time (GMT+8).

About HIST

The International Center on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) is the first UNESCO Category II Centre applying space technologies to the monitoring and conservation of UNESCO-designated sites. HIST’s mission is to assist UNESCO’s programmes and Member States that desire to receive assistance on the use of space technologies in the protection of UNESCO-designated sites. 

Application form (English)