The Ministry of Education and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO announced the recruitment of participants for the 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Training Program (U-STEP) until February 1. This initiative aims to help Korean youth gain practical experience in international organizations and strengthen their global competencies. This year, the number of selected candidates has been increased to provide more opportunities for young people. The program, which began in 2025, has already seen four youths participate in training at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters since July.
In 2026, a total of 10 youths will be selected to participate in a six-month practical training program at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, and the UNESCO Bangkok Office in Thailand. The fields available for application include education policy, digital transformation, learning data, ecology and environment, and cultural heritage. Eligible applicants are young people aged 19 to 34, as defined by the Youth Basic Act. Additional requirements such as language proficiency, relevant academic background, and experience are necessary depending on the field. Applications are accepted online via the Korean National Commission for UNESCO website (unesco.or.kr).
The selection process involves domestic screening and interviews conducted by UNESCO to determine the final participants. Selected candidates will undergo pre-training courses from March to April, followed by six months of practical training at UNESCO from June to December. The training schedule will be coordinated according to each field. For inquiries, contact the International Education Policy Division at the Ministry of Education (044-203-6762) or the Network Business Office at the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (02-6958-4162).
Minister Choi Kyo-jin emphasized that this program offers a valuable opportunity for young people to gain experience in international organizations and develop collaborative skills with the world. He expressed hope that participants will grow into globally competent talents needed for the future society. The program is expected to play a significant role in building international networks and nurturing global talent. Further support for youth advancement on the international stage is anticipated in the future.