The Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons 2026 is a transformative opportunity hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). This hybrid program empowers young individuals with the knowledge, tools, and international exposure needed to become global advocates for peace and disarmament. The initiative reflects the critical role youth play in achieving a safer, more secure world—free of nuclear weapons.

Through a combination of virtual learning and an in-person experience, the program offers selected participants the chance to explore nuclear disarmament firsthand, engage with survivors of nuclear bombings, and gain insight into international diplomacy, SDGs, and global security governance. Participants will culminate their training with a study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cities that symbolize the devastating human cost of nuclear warfare.

This Fully Funded Scholarship is ideal for youth aged 18 to 29 who are passionate about peacebuilding, international relations, or advocacy in civil society spaces.

Program Details

Host Organization:
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)

Program Duration:
Four months of online training
One-week in-person study tour in Japan (Hiroshima & Nagasaki)

Program Format:
Hybrid: online modules + in-person learning journey

Study Tour Dates & Locations:
Scheduled for the second quarter of 2026
Held in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan

Program Focus Areas:

• Nuclear disarmament

• Arms control and non-proliferation

• Peacebuilding and diplomacy

• Humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons

• Youth engagement in global governance

Benefits

• No application or participation fee

• Open to youth from nuclear-armed and non-nuclear-weapon states

• Selection of 50 fully funded participants for travel to Japan

• Certificate of Completion from UNODA after successful training

• Fully covered costs: international flights, local transport, accommodation, meals, and insurance during the study tour

• Access to world-class instructors, disarmament experts, and Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors

• No prior experience in disarmament or security studies required

• Exposure to the United Nation disarmament education system and multilateral diplomacy

• A leading Summer Program offering research skills and ethics training in Africa

Eligibility Criteria

• Age between 18 and 29 years at the time of application

• Open to applicants from all academic disciplines and countries

• Demonstrated interest in:

  • International peace and diplomacy

  • Civil society work

  • Global governance

  • Leadership Programs and youth engagement

• Able to commit 4–6 hours per week for the online course

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking)

• Must have consistent access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with audio/video capability

• Available and willing to travel to Japan in mid-2026

• Must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa (if required)

Required Documents

To be considered for the Youth Leader Fund 2026, applicants must prepare and submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Passport copy (must be valid through the study tour period)

• Visa (if applicable)

• Global medical insurance certificate (for international travel)

• Any additional supporting documents that reflect relevant achievements or motivation

How to Apply

1. Visit the Disarmament Education Dashboard hosted by UNODA

2. Create an account and verify your email

3. Log in and complete the application form, which includes:

   • Personal and academic information

   • Professional background and experience

   • Social media and online engagement profiles (optional but encouraged)

   • Motivational statement and explanation of your interest in disarmament

   • Preference for focus areas within the program

4. Upload your documents including CV, passport, and insurance certificate

5. Review your application carefully and ensure accuracy

6. Click ‘Submit and Apply’ to finalize your submission

Application Deadline

Deadline to apply: April 13, 2025
Late applications will not be considered, and applicants are advised to prepare their materials well in advance.

An inspiring Youth Forum designed for policy dialogue, cultural exchange, and Leadership Programs in Europe