Cultural Heritage and Children in Armed Conflict: Protection, Memory, and Peacebuilding
Intensive Advanced Course
17 – 21 November 2025
>>> DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM HERE <<<
To apply, please fulfill the application form at the following link: APPLICATION FORM
INTRODUCTION
In the face of ongoing armed conflicts around the globe, the preservation of cultural heritage and the protection of children are paramount. These elements are deeply intertwined with the identity and human dignity of communities, especially for younger generations directly impacted by warfare. Cultural heritage embodies the collective memory, identity, and history of people, while children represent the future of any society. When conflicts disrupt and damage cultural sites and artifacts, they not only threaten historical continuity but also undermine the identity and dignity of affected populations. Recognizing this critical intersection, the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict, with the promotion of the Heritage International Institute, are pleased to promote a one-week course dedicated to exploring and addressing the challenges of preserving cultural heritage and supporting children in conflict zones.
This course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect and enhance both cultural heritage and the well-being of children, ensuring that future generations can retain a sense of identity and dignity amidst adversity.
METHODOLOGY
The course utilizes a dynamic and interactive methodology designed to integrate theoretical insights with practical application:
1. Lectures and Presentations: Guided by distinguished experts in cultural heritage preservation, museum studies, heritage education, cultural tourism, social and cultural policy, child protection, and conflict resolution, these sessions will provide foundational knowledge and up-to-date perspectives on the complex relationship between heritage and child welfare in times of conflict.
2. Case Studies: Participants will delve into real-world scenarios where cultural heritage and children have been impacted by armed conflicts, exploring effective strategies and solutions through detailed analyses.
3. Workshops and Group Activities: Engaging in hands-on activities, participants will develop practical skills for heritage documentation, designing child protection measures, and implementing conflict-sensitive approaches.
4. Role-Playing and Simulations: Interactive exercises will enable participants to practice decision-making and problem-solving in simulated conflict scenarios involving both cultural heritage and child protection.
5. Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions: These discussions with experts and practitioners will provide a platform for participants to ask questions, exchange experiences, and explore best practices for safeguarding heritage and supporting children.
OBJECTIVES
1. To Understand the Impact of Armed Conflict on Cultural Heritage: Investigate how conflicts damage or destroy cultural sites and artifacts, and the broader implications for collective identity and historical continuity.
2. To Explore the Plight of Children in Armed Conflicts: Examine the specific challenges faced by children, including displacement, trauma, and exploitation, and understand their profound impact on young lives.
3. To Identify Strategies for Protecting Cultural Heritage: Learn about international frameworks, guidelines, and practical approaches for preserving heritage during conflicts, and its role in maintaining identity and dignity.
4. To Develop Effective Child Protection Mechanisms: Understand and design robust protection and support systems for children affected by conflict, emphasizing the preservation of their well-being and dignity.
5. To Foster Collaboration and Networking: Build connections among professionals and organizations dedicated to cultural heritage and child protection, promoting collaborative efforts and shared solutions.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
1. Raise Awareness: Enhance understanding of the critical link between preserving cultural heritage and protecting child welfare in conflict and post-conflict zones, highlighting its importance for maintaining identity and dignity.
2. Enhance Skills: Equip participants with the tools and skills necessary to contribute effectively to heritage preservation and enhancement and child-focused interventions.
3. Promote Best Practices: Share and advocate for best practices and innovative solutions in addressing the intertwined challenges of cultural heritage and child protection during conflicts.
4. Strengthen Collaboration: Facilitate networking opportunities and collaborative partnerships among participants to support ongoing initiatives and joint efforts.
5. Encourage Advocacy: Empower participants to advocate for the integration of cultural heritage and child protection into broader conflict resolution and humanitarian strategies, emphasizing the preservation of identity and human dignity.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is designed for:
● Cultural heritage professionals
● Child protection specialists
● Peacebuilding practitioners
● Human rights advocates
● Students and researchers in cultural studies, archaeology, conflict studies, and international law
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course, participants will:
● Understand the impact of armed conflict on children and cultural heritage
● Explore the intersection between memory, identity, trauma, and cultural sites
● Reflect on the relationships between heritage, children, education and cultural tourism
● Learn how to integrate cultural heritage into child-sensitive peacebuilding strategies
● Develop project proposals connecting heritage preservation with child protection and
education
● Build local and global networks for interdisciplinary cooperation
COURSE FEATURES:
● Hybrid-accessible for global and local participants
● Combination of theory, fieldwork, and interactive workshops
● Certification upon successful completion
● Mentorship and collaborative project development
● Networking with heritage and child protection experts
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE
The course Cultural Heritage and Children in Armed Conflict: Protection, Memory, and Peacebuilding will be held in English from 17 to 21 November 2025, in a hybrid format allowing both in-person attendance at the Faculty of Education, University of Pristina (Kosovo), and online participation via Zoom platform. Daily sessions will be held in the morning from 09:00 to 13:00, with additional afternoon sessions from 15:00 to 17:00 (except Thursday, which will extend until 18:00) dedicated to thematic workshops and interactive discussions.
The course is coordinated by Professor Laura Guercio, Professor Bahtije Gerbeshi Zylfiu and Professor Marxiano Melotti. Sessions will consist of lectures delivered by leading international experts and practitioners, followed by Q&A segments and moderated discussions designed to stimulate active engagement among participants. Guest lecturers will include professionals with experience in international organisations, transitional justice processes, and the protection of cultural heritage and children's rights in conflict settings.
The course will admit a maximum of 15 participants on site and up to 20 participants online, particularly those residing outside of Kosovo. On-site participation is free of charge. Please note that UNETCHAC does not assume responsibility for expenses related to travel, accommodation, or meals, which remain entirely at the charge of participants.
For online participants, the standard participation fee is €200, payable upon enrolment. An early registration fee of €175 applies to those who confirm their attendance and complete payment no later than 3 November 2025. Students coming from disadvantaged areas, will be entitled of discounted rates. The final deadline for applications is fixed at 13 November 2025.
All submitted applications will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee of the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email in due course.
To receive the Certificate of Completion, participants must attend at least 80% of the course sessions (live or via recordings, when justified) and actively engage in course activities. At the end of the course, participants may be asked to submit a final project proposal or short essay. The most outstanding contributions may be considered for inclusion in future publications or academic initiatives promoted by the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict (UNETCHAC).
Following the course, internship opportunities within the Network and scholarship possibilities for future studies may be offered to the most deserving participants.
For further information or clarification, please contact us at the official course email address:
unetchacadvancedcourse@gmail.com
>>> DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM HERE <<<
To apply, please fulfill the application form at the following link: APPLICATION FORM