Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons
About the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF)
A learning programme for young, future leaders for a world free of nuclear weapons
After the successful completion of Phase I of this innovative programme in 2023-2024, YLF has launched its second phase in 2025. Learn more about Phase I here.
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. Please see this link for the inaugural event organized by the first cohort. To watch the travel vlog from the study tour, click here.
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.
Schedule of the programme
Please note the dates are subject to confirmation.
| Application period | 5 March – 13 April 2025 |
| Selection of online participants | 2nd quarter of 2025 |
| Number of participants selected for the online foundation course | 100 |
| Online course starting | 3rd quarter of 2025 |
| Selection of in-person study visit participants | 1st quarter of 2026 |
| Number of participants selected for the in-person study visit | 50 |
| Study visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki | 2nd quarter of 2026 |
Eligibility criteria
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 (please see above).
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.
Selection process
The applications for the second phase of the YLF Programme are now open! Failure to be selected for the current cohort does not prejudice application for future iterations of this learning programme. Thank you for your continued interest in the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons.
Certificates
All participants who successfully complete the online component will receive an official certificate of completion from UNODA.
Application deadline
The Call for Applications will close on 13 April 2025, 23:59 UTC.
Contact
youthleaderfund@un.org
please register or log in to the disarmament education dashboard to apply
YLF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Basics Q. How did this programme come about? A. On 1 August 2022, at the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Prime Minister of Japan announced the establishment of a fund for UN disarmament and non-proliferation education and youth outreach in support of a world without nuclear weapons. The primary goal of this programme is to bring young, future…
YLF Resources
Study Visit – August 2025Video message from Prime Minister Kishida at the Opening Ceremony of the Japan Study Visit Travel VlogFlickr Photo AlbumDeclarACTIONYouth Leader ConferenceSocial MediaUNODA on Instagram#Youth4Disarmament on Instagram
Youth Leader Fund Phase I
YLF Participants Organize the Youth Leader ConferenceOn 29 August, Participants of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) held the inaugural Youth Leader ConferenceStreamed from Hiroshima, Japan, the event took place in English and Japanese. The recordings, in English and Japanese, are available directly below.English language recording.Japanese language recording.YLF Presents ‘DeclarACTION’Notably, at this milestone event, the young leaders presented and adopted their Declaration for a World…