Co-organized by the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO and the Istanbul Sites Management Directorate, the World Heritage Youth Forum kicked off on Wednesday. The opening ceremony of the forum, organized as part of the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee that will take place in Istanbul, took place in the conference room of Marmara University's Sultanahmet Campus. Speaking at the ceremony, UNESCO World Heritage Youth Forum Executive President Cenk Harmancıoğlu said that the event will take place at Istanbul's historic places which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. "Young people from all over the world will participate in the event, which is composed of different layers. We will do everything we can for them to benefit from the meeting," Harmancıoğlu said.

Istanbul Sites Management Director Halil Onur expressed his happiness to host young representatives from all over the world in Istanbul. Onur pointed out that the event is organized with the kind contributions of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and said: "Istanbul has been a home to different cultures and has been carrying the values of different cultures to the present day for 8,500 years. The main objective of the forum, taking place in unique Istanbul, is to teach young people to learn more about intercultural exchange by convening with cultural heritage experts."

Also speaking at the ceremony, Istanbul Deputy Governor İsmail Gültekin said that they are honored to host the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Istanbul. "Istanbul is a city where people from different nationalities and religions have been living together for thousands of years and different empires flourished throughout history. It makes us happy to host people from around the world. For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan is not just about fasting but also tolerance. We are happy to be together, especially during this time of year."

According to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality General Secretary Hayri Baraçlı, young people will touch on various issues. He said, "Young people are here to spread peace and love all over the world. I thank everybody who helps us to realize this event in Istanbul, which has been featured on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1985. We are working very carefully to pass Istanbul to future generations without spoiling its historic texture." Baraçlı added Istanbul is a city worth seeing and young people coming from other countries will have a chance to observe Istanbul. He said that they are aware of protecting the cultural and historic heritage while building cities and they are working hard to established livable cities. Young people between the ages of 22 and 28 from 35 countries will exchange ideas and participate in seminars, workshops and city tours as a part of the World Heritage Youth Forum, which continues until July 12.