UNODA’s one-year fellowship offers a stipend, mentorship, and global travel to youth aged 18-29 working on peace, security, and arms control.
Published: June 10, 2026
NEW YORK – The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has officially opened applications for the third edition of its flagship Youth4Disarmament Champions programme, a fully funded one-year initiative designed to empower young people to lead disarmament efforts in their own communities.
Nine individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 will be selected from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, and the Caribbean to receive training, mentorship, and financial support to implement their own disarmament projects.
“This programme is about turning youth passion into tangible action,” a UNODA spokesperson said. “Young people are not just future leaders – they are leaders today. We are giving them the tools, network, and platform to make a real difference in global arms control.”
What the Programme Offers
Selected Youth4Disarmament Champions will receive:
-
Online training in disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, and linkages to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
-
Individual mentorship managed directly by UNODA staff or identified experts
-
A stipend to advance a personal disarmament project or contribute to a UN publication
-
At least one fully funded international trip to attend intergovernmental disarmament processes or relevant global meetings
-
Networking opportunities with current and previous Champions
The programme requires approximately 5–10 hours per week from August 2026 to summer 2027, with study trips involving full-time commitment for about one week.
Special focus: Champions working on small arms and light weapons and ammunition management will be connected to the first Meeting of States on the new Framework on Conventional Ammunition Management.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
-
Be 18–29 years old at the time of application
-
Have prior knowledge or background in peace, security, disarmament, or weapons management
-
Present a clear project idea in the field of disarmament
-
Demonstrate strong motivation to advance their project and learn about disarmament
-
Have English proficiency of at least B2 level
Previous experience in disarmament is considered an asset but not mandatory.
Selection Process
According to UNODA, applicants will be scored based on three key criteria:
-
Motivation – Why disarmament matters to the applicant
-
Interest – Demonstrated engagement with peace and security issues
-
Project idea/plan – Feasibility, originality, and potential impact
The programme is tailored individually for each Champion based on their background, interests, and project. Opportunities, including trips, may vary per participant.
Funding Partners
The Youth4Disarmament Champions programme is generously funded by:
-
The Government of the Republic of Korea
-
The European Union – specifically in support of Youth Champions focused on small arms, light weapons, and ammunition management
How to Apply & Deadline
Deadline: June 28, 2026 – 23:59 (EDT)
Application link: https://www.youth4disarmament.org/apply-now-become-youth4disarmament-champion
Late applications will not be accepted.
UNODA strongly encourages young people from all regions, especially those with grassroots experience in peacebuilding and weapons management, to apply before the deadline.
Why This Matters
With global conflicts on the rise and the proliferation of small arms threatening communities worldwide, the Youth4Disarmament Champions programme represents a rare, high-level opportunity for young people to directly influence international security policy.
As one former Champion put it: “UNODA didn’t just train me – they believed in my idea and gave me the platform to bring it to the United Nations itself. That changed everything.”
For media inquiries, contact:
UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
Follow for updates:
#Youth4Disarmament #UNODA #DisarmamentChampions2026
For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the UN Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme
