Applications Invited for Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF)

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About the Organization

United Nations ODA was established in January 1998 as the Department for Disarmament Affairs which was part of the SG’s programme for reform in accordance with his report to the General Assembly (A/51/950). It was originally established in 1982 upon the recommendation of the General Assembly’s second special session on disarmament (SSOD II). In 1992, its name was changed to Centre for Disarmament Affairs, under the Department of Political Affairs. At the end of 1997, it was renamed Department for Disarmament Affairs and in 2007, it became the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.

ODA Mission: We work with United Nations Member States, United Nations system entities and other partners towards the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and the strict control of conventional weapons. To this end, we promote norm-setting and multilateral agreements in the areas of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation; facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders; and advocate for concrete and effective solutions to support sustainable peace and development.

ODA Vision: The realization of human, national and international security through the regulation, control and elimination of arms.

About the Grant

A learning programme for young, future leaders for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The Youth Leader Fund (YLF) is an innovative learning programme aimed at equipping the leaders of the future with the knowledge, skills, and network to join global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons – the most dangerous weapons on earth. The programme is seeking youth who are motivated to use their talents to promote change for a more peaceful and secure world.

The selected participants will receive training in general principles of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control through online courses, with a selected cohort going on a week-long in-person study tour to Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

The future leaders will also exchange ideas with disarmament experts from think tanks, civil society organizations, media, and the diplomatic field, and will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical skills and know-how to engage and practically contribute to issues related to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.

Importantly, participants will learn about the lessons that the survivors of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, called hibakusha, have long been sharing with the world about the unimaginable suffering caused by nuclear weapons. As the hibakusha continue to age, it is vital that their powerful stories and appeals to eliminate nuclear weapons are carried forward by future generations.

Target audience:

The intention is to bring together an eclectic and geographically diverse group of advocates for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament aged between 18 and 29 years.

Young people with an interest or background in international affairs—such as government or civil society organizations—along with those involved in education, academia, journalism, industry, and other fields, are encouraged to apply. Phase II distinguishes itself through its emphasis on communication and storytelling as tools for advocacy, recognizing the power of narratives in shaping public opinion and policy. To this end, media and communications training will be integrated into the curriculum, making the programme especially appealing to participants with journalism and media backgrounds or aspirations. This approach ensures a cohort well-equipped to communicate the urgency of nuclear disarmament effectively.

The programme is open to youth from across the globe, from nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States alike.

Overview of the programme:

The programme runs from 2023 to 2030 across four phases of two years each. The current call for applicants is for the second phase of the programme – for the years 2025 and 2026.

Interactive online component lasting four months:

The programme kicks off with an engaging and interactive online component. Through self-paced eLearning modules and online discussions, participants will acquire a solid knowledge base on key disarmament and non-proliferation issues. In addition, they will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through skill-building workshops and practical assignments, as well as live webinars, where they can interact in real-time with disarmament experts and fellow participants. The weekly time commitment for this component is approximately 4-6 hours.

In-person study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki (fully-funded):

Upon successful completion of the online component, 50 selected participants will embark on a six-day study tour to Japan. This experience will bring them to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, where they will engage with hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings, as well as local youth. Additionally, they will jointly organize a youth-led event, fostering meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas.

Collaborative creation of impactful activities:

Beyond the event, participants will play a vital role in collaborating and creating impactful activities that can be shared with their respective communities. These activities will aim to raise awareness and inspire positive change towards a world without nuclear weapons.

Mentoring the next cohort:

Upon programme completion, participants will remain involved through mentoring the next cohort of aspiring youth leaders. By sharing their insights and experiences, they will guide and inspire future participants. Participants can also opt in to mentorship programme with Phase I participants serving as mentors.

Learning programme:

The programme will provide foundational skills and knowledge including on disarmament, non-proliferation and development-related issues; conflict prevention and resolution; arms control; confidence- and security-building measures. All topics will be examined in the context of working for a world without nuclear weapons. Participants will also hone their leadership, communications and related skills.

Programme requirements:

For online training courses:

• proficiency in English is required;
• a computer or mobile device, with audio and video;
• a reliable internet connection;
• no special software is required;
• no previous knowledge on non-proliferation and disarmament issues is required.

In-person study trip to Japan (if selected):

• availability to travel to Japan for 6-7 days to take part in the study visit and the educational activities tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2026;
• valid travel documents (a valid passport and visa, as required, prior to travel)

Outline of support offered:

There is no registration fee for the online foundation course (eLearning modules, skill-building workshops and live webinars). All participants successfully completing the online component will receive an official certificate of completion from UNODA. 

For those selected for the study trip:

• Travel costs to/from indicated residency to Japan in economy class fare;
• Participation in Japan-based activities;
• Accommodation and subsistence allowance for the duration of the study visit;
• It is the responsibility of participants to obtain valid travel documents and visa. A valid global medical insurance is mandatory.

Eligibility

Age:

• At least 18 years at the time of application
• Not older than 29 years old at the time of application (closing date of the call for applications)

Nationality:

• The programme is open to nationals from all countries and territories.

Language:

• The programme will be conducted in English only. Proficiency in English is required to participate.

Qualifications:

No specific degree or qualification is required to apply for the programme. The programme is open to individuals from diverse educational backgrounds who have an interest in contributing to a world free of nuclear weapons and a willingness to learn.

No previous knowledge of non-proliferation and disarmament issues is required. We encourage applications from those new to this field. Participants with journalism and media backgrounds, or those aspiring to such careers, are particularly encouraged to apply for this cohort.

The programme may be especially suitable for students, those who have recently completed their education, and those who are early or mid-career professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 13 April 2025

Click here to apply

For more information please check the Link

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