Nordic World Heritage Conference 2026

Last week, 250 World Heritage stakeholders participated in the Nordic World Heritage Conference, hosted by the Naval Port of Karlskrona and the Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland World Heritage sites. Together, we looked to the future and reflected on how World Heritage sites can remain relevant in the years to come. We also considered how to address the tough challenges ahead, ranging from climate change and new generations with different needs and expectations, to conflicting goals regarding resources and the diverse objectives within our society.

In our daily work, these challenges can sometimes lead to a sense of overwhelming among many of us. Consequently, meeting like this to discuss these issues with others who share the same mission, that is contributing to a better world by caring for some of the globe’s most valuable environments, provides invaluable energy and the drive to keep going.

H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip opened the conference, which included both presentations and field visits. Världsarv i Sverige contributed by highlighting how our World Heritage sites in Sweden continue to be #placesthatmakeadifference - a concept exemplified brilliantly by the organizing bodies, Karlskrona Municipality and Mörbylånga Municipality, along with everyone involved.

Both of these World Heritage sites engage in broad collaboration to ensure the best possible management. For instance, children are introduced to the World Heritage sites at an early age through comprehensive initiatives in primary schools; the municipalities develop clear, simple methods to foster an understanding of the sites' unique values; civil society participates and is involved in various activities; and the business sector creates new products and services. The property owners involved, ranging from private and public entities to the industrial sector are choosing to take responsibility for preserving these values; museums are helping to share the story; the academic community is driving relevant and exciting projects; and, perhaps most importantly, farmers, tenants, and many others are helping to ensure these places remain in use.

There is a sense that no one is shying away from the responsibility or the challenges ahead. Instead, everyone sees how their contribution feeds into something greater—and how it will likely help ensure these places continue to make a difference long into the future.