2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation
UNESCO has opened submissions for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, recognising outstanding conservation efforts across the region. The Awards celebrate private sector projects and public-private partnerships that demonstrate excellence in preserving historical sites while fostering community engagement.
Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have honoured 305 projects across 27 countries for their thorough understanding of historical significance, technical achievements, and impact at local, national, and regional levels. By spotlighting best practices, the Awards have helped shape regional conversations on heritage's role in sustaining cities, societies, and the environment.
This year, UNESCO especially welcomes submissions for projects conserving heritage sites that are integral to the region’s history but remain underrecognised or at risk of neglect. These include cultural landscapes, technological, industrial, and agricultural heritage, 20th-century sites, vernacular architecture, and cultural routes. Winning projects of this nature will be highlighted in a dedicated exhibition as part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Awards.
Eligibility
Projects must have been completed within the last 10 years (February 2015 – May 2025 if the pre-existing use was retained, or May 2024 if a project involved a new use). Examples of eligible projects include:
- Houses, commercial and institutional buildings
- Historic towns and villages
- Archaeological sites and cultural landscapes
Awards
- Award of Excellence
- Award of Distinction
- Award of Merit
- Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts
- Special Recognition for Sustainable Development
2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation application guidelines
Deadline: 31 May 2025