Pre-tour participation is limited to participants who registered for this activity during conference registration.
Participants can book an exclusive pre-tour that explores Karlskrona’s historic sea fortifications. The tour includes visits to historic sea fortifications such as Koholmen, Godnatt and Kungsholmsfort, offering insight into the naval defence system that once protected the archipelago. Guided introductions on site provide context on the islands’ history, current preservation efforts, and their role within the World Heritage landscape.
An early kick-off to the conference. Enjoy a casual welcome reception and mingling evening in the historic Grevagården. The Baroque garden provides a unique setting with light refreshments, music, cultural performances, and the opportunity to explore museum exhibitions.
The conference begins with a shared morning session bringing all participants together in one venue. The aim is to set the stage for the days ahead, offering inspiration and highlighting the role of Nordic World Heritage sites as drivers of sustainable development and peace. Registration takes place in the Concert Hall Theatre foyer. The programme will then be held on stage inside the Concert Hall Theatre.
Participants are welcomed with coffee and the opportunity to register and connect informally in the foyer.
The moderator opens the conference with a short introduction, presenting the programme and key practical information.
Cornelius Holtorf, Professor at Linnaeus University and UNESCO Chair in Heritage Futures.
This keynote explores the international dialogue around a post-2030 agenda and its implications for World Heritage. The session highlights how heritage can contribute to future frameworks for sustainable development and reflects on the evolving role of World Heritage sites as platforms for knowledge, collaboration and longterm sustainability.
This panel focuses on how UNESCO programmes and conventions can work more closely together in a future beyond Agenda 2030. Representatives will discuss synergies between World Heritage, intangible cultural heritage, biosphere reserves and other frameworks, exploring shared challenges, opportunities and priorities.
The session aims to foster dialogue, knowledge exchange and new connections across disciplines and sectors.
On-stage participants include representatives from the Swedish UNESCO Council, the Swedish National Heritage Board, and the UNESCO Chair.
Time for refreshments and networking.
His Royal Highness Prince Carl Philip will officially open the conference.
The opening address will reflect on the importance of World Heritage as a platform for Nordic cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
A representative from each Nordic country presents key highlights from their national World Heritage work. In this fast-paced and inspiring session, participants will gain insight into current initiatives, projects and approaches contributing to sustainable development. The session concludes with a short presentation of the new collaborative initiative: “Cultural Heritage as Habitat – Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity in Interaction.” Together, the presentations offer a dynamic overview of how World Heritage is actively shaping knowledge, collaboration and societal development across the Nordic region.
Created by pupils at Skansenskolan on Öland, the Flat Stanley doll will be presented to His Royal Highness Prince Carl Philip as a symbol of international World Heritage exchange and the active engagement of young people in preserving our shared heritage.
Dr Ang Ming Chee, General Manager of George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Malaysia.
This lecture highlights the evolving role of site managers and World Heritage coordinators, addressing both future challenges and opportunities. With a focus on heritage as a tool for peacebuilding, it emphasises the key role of site managers in implementing the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
Casual networking lunch in the Concert Hall Theatre foyer
At registration, participants had select one of three parallel tracks to attend.
Moderators from the parallel tracks gather on stage to reflect on the day. Through highlights from each track, key discussions, insights and examples are shared, capturing the breadth of the conference themes.
Participants who registered for a site visit will attend the option selected during registration.
Building on the themes and discussions from day one, the second day of the conference takes participants to the World Heritage Site the Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland for a full-day field experience. The excursion highlights the unique interaction between nature, culture, and sustainable land use. The programme includes travel by bus, and participants are kindly asked to note that no unscheduled stops can be made along the route beyond the planned programme points.
START: All conference buses depart from Stortorget (Main Square)
Please arrive a few minutes before departure.
During the bus journey, you can listen to a podcast episode about Sweden’s World Heritage Sites in Fifteen Minutes
The day begins with a visit to Möckelmossen on the Great Alvar, where participants explore one of Europe’s most distinctive limestone landscapes. Through walks and talks, the group gains insight into the ecological, geological and cultural significance of this place on how the landscape is made accessible through hiking trails and digital storytelling. Coffee and refreshments.
The programme continues with a farm visit that introduces participants to the realities of modern agriculture within a World Heritage Site and will highlight the importance of local engagement and participation. A locally sourced lunch “Taste experiences in the World Heritage” connects the landscape directly to the food served, illustrating how agricultural practices and heritage values support one another.
Bus allocation will be based on the parallel track selected during registration.
The Naval Museum is open for those who wish to explore the museum and exhibitions on their own.
The conference’s festive dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Nordic World Heritage Association together. Guests are welcomed to a relaxed mingling reception, with the possibility to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions, music, and dinner. During the evening, the winner of the Rauma Award will be presented, along with the announcement of the next host of the Nordic World Heritage Conference. A final night that brings the Nordic World Heritage community together for an inspiring and memorable conclusion to the conference.
Pre-tour participation is limited to participants who registered for this activity during conference registration.
Participants will travel by bus from Karlskrona to Kalmar for a full-day excursion combining historic landmarks with maritime heritage. The programme includes a visit to Kalmar Castle, lunch in the castle setting, and a walk through the city centre. The tour concludes at Kalmar County Museum with a guided visit to the Kronan exhibition, presenting one of Scandinavia’s most significant maritime archaeological discoveries. After the excursion, buses will return participants to Karlskrona.