Deadline: June 28, 2026
Do you have an idea for a disarmament project? Then apply to be the next Youth4Disarmament Champion! The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) is calling on young people to apply for the third edition of the Youth4Disarmament Champions — an innovative one-year programme aimed at empowering youth to work for disarmament in their communities.
Nine young people between the ages of 18 and 29 will be selected to the programme, in which the participants will plan and implement their own disarmament projects with the support of UNODA and mentors. The Youth4Disarmament Champions programme will bring together a geographically diverse group of young disarmament advocates and enable them to share their specific regional perspectives — from Africa and Europe; Asia and the Pacific; the Americas and the Caribbean regions — and connect them to the global disarmament and arms control efforts.
The selected Youth4Disarmament Champions will receive training in the general principles of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control and its linkages to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. After completion of the introductory courses, thematic webinars, networking with previous and current Champions, an individual mentorship managed by UNODA will follow. During the programme, Youth Champions will be invited to present their perspectives at various global disarmament meetings, based on their project and interest. For selected participants working in the field of small arms and ammunition, the Programme will be connected to the first Meeting of States on the new Framework on Conventional Ammunition Management.
Benefits
- Online training on disarmament and project management via online courses and webinars
- Mentorship through UNODA staff or UNODA‑identified mentors.
- Network opportunities with fellow and previous Champions
- A stipend to advance your individual project in the field of disarmament; or an opportunity to contribute and work on a disarmament-related publication during the programme.
- At least one trip during the programme to intergovernmental disarmament process or other meeting relevant to the content of the programme.
Eligibility
- Be 18-29 years old at the time of applying,
- Have some previous knowledge and background in the field of peace, security, disarmament, weapons management or similar field,
- Have an idea of a project in the field of disarmament that you will be working on during the programme,
- Have passion and motivation to advance this project and learn more about various aspects of disarmament, and
- Have a good command of English – at least B2 level
Application
The programme will begin in August 2026 and end in the summer of 2027. The training programme requires approximately 5-10 hours per week of the Champions’ time, with the exception of study trips being full-time commitments for about a week during the programme.
For more information, visit UNODA Youth4Disarmament Champions.
