UN Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme 2026–2027: Fully Supported Global Opportunity for Young Peace and Security Leaders to Lead Disarmament Projects

Applications are now open for the third edition of the United Nations Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme 2026–2027, a prestigious global youth leadership initiative organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The programme is designed to empower young leaders who are passionate about peace, security, disarmament, arms control, and weapons management by equipping them with the knowledge, mentorship, resources, and international exposure needed to lead meaningful change in their communities.

As part of the Youth4Disarmament Initiative, UNODA will select nine outstanding young people from around the world to become Youth4Disarmament Champions. Over the course of one year, participants will receive specialized training, personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, project funding support, and international exposure while implementing their own disarmament-focused projects.

The programme aims to amplify youth voices in global disarmament discussions and strengthen the role of young people in advancing international peace and security. By bringing together participants from diverse regions and backgrounds, Youth4Disarmament Champions contributes to a more inclusive and representative global conversation on arms control, non-proliferation, weapons management, and sustainable peace.

About the Youth4Disarmament Initiative

The Youth4Disarmament Initiative is a flagship programme of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that seeks to engage, educate, and empower young people to participate actively in disarmament and arms control processes.

Recognizing that young people are key stakeholders in building peaceful societies, the initiative creates opportunities for youth to contribute innovative ideas, influence policy discussions, and promote awareness of disarmament issues at local, national, regional, and international levels.

The Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme is one of the initiative’s most impactful leadership opportunities, providing selected participants with practical support to transform their ideas into action.

Why the Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme Matters

In an increasingly complex global security environment, issues such as armed violence, illicit weapons trafficking, small arms proliferation, ammunition management, and disarmament policy continue to affect communities worldwide.

Young people have an essential role to play in:

• Promoting peace and security
• Preventing violence
• Supporting disarmament efforts
• Encouraging responsible weapons management
• Strengthening community resilience
• Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme empowers youth leaders to become active contributors to these efforts through practical projects and global engagement.

Number of Champions Selected

For the 2026–2027 cohort, UNODA will select:

Nine Youth4Disarmament Champions

The selected participants will represent a geographically diverse group of young leaders from:

• Africa
• Europe
• Asia and the Pacific
• The Americas
• The Caribbean

This diversity ensures that the programme benefits from a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and local realities.

Programme Duration

The programme will run for approximately one year:

August 2026 – Summer 2027

Participants should be prepared to dedicate:

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week

during the programme period.

Study visits and international meetings may require full-time participation for approximately one week.

Programme Components

The Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme offers a comprehensive leadership and professional development experience.

1. Specialized Training on Disarmament

Selected Champions will participate in:

• Online courses
• Expert-led webinars
• Capacity-building sessions
• Interactive learning modules

Training topics include:

• Disarmament principles
• Non-proliferation
• Arms control
• Weapons management
• International peace and security
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Project management

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how disarmament intersects with sustainable development and global security.

2. Individual Mentorship

Each Champion will receive personalized mentorship from:

• UNODA staff
• UNODA-designated experts and mentors

Mentorship will help participants:

• Refine project ideas
• Develop leadership skills
• Strengthen advocacy strategies
• Expand professional knowledge
• Build confidence in implementing projects

3. Youth-Led Disarmament Project

A central feature of the programme is the implementation of an individual project.

Each Champion must:

• Design a project
• Develop an implementation plan
• Execute the project during the programme

Projects may focus on:

• Peacebuilding
• Arms control awareness
• Weapons management
• Community engagement
• Youth advocacy
• Security education
• Policy awareness initiatives

Participants will have flexibility to tailor their projects to local needs and regional priorities.

4. Networking Opportunities

Champions will join a growing global network of:

• Current Youth4Disarmament Champions
• Previous Champions
• UN officials
• International experts
• Peace and security practitioners

Networking opportunities help participants build lasting professional relationships and collaborations.

5. Participation in Global Meetings

Throughout the programme, Champions may be invited to:

• International conferences
• Intergovernmental meetings
• Disarmament forums
• Policy dialogues
• Global youth consultations

These opportunities allow participants to share their experiences and perspectives on international platforms.

6. Special Opportunities for Small Arms and Ammunition Experts

Champions whose projects focus on:

• Small arms
• Light weapons
• Ammunition management

may engage with processes connected to:

The First Meeting of States on the Framework on Conventional Ammunition Management

This provides a rare opportunity to participate in emerging global policy discussions.

Financial and Professional Benefits

Selected Champions will receive several benefits throughout the programme.

Project Support Funding

Participants will receive:

• A stipend to support implementation of their disarmament project

OR

• An opportunity to contribute to a disarmament-related publication

International Travel Opportunities

Champions will participate in:

• At least one international trip

during the programme.

Travel may include attendance at:

• Global disarmament meetings
• Intergovernmental conferences
• International policy events
• Relevant peace and security forums

Professional Development

Participants gain:

• Leadership training
• Project management skills
• Policy knowledge
• Public speaking experience
• International exposure
• Professional networking opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

Age Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 29 years old at the time of application

Academic and Professional Background

Applicants should possess:

• Previous knowledge or experience in peace, security, disarmament, weapons management, or related fields

While extensive professional experience is not required, familiarity with these topics is important.

Project Idea Requirement

Applicants must:

• Have a clear idea for a disarmament-related project

The project should be feasible and relevant to their community or region.

Motivation Requirement

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to peace and security
• Genuine interest in disarmament issues
• Willingness to learn
• Capacity to complete the programme

Language Requirement

Applicants must possess:

• Good command of English
• Minimum English proficiency level: B2

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Motivation

Assessors will examine:

• Commitment to disarmament
• Passion for peacebuilding
• Interest in global security issues

Project Proposal Quality

Strong applications will present:

• Clear objectives
• Practical implementation plans
• Potential community impact
• Innovative approaches

Relevant Experience

Previous involvement in:

• Peace initiatives
• Youth engagement
• Advocacy work
• Security projects
• Research activities

will be considered an asset.

Programme Supporters

The Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme is generously supported by:

Government of the Republic of Korea

The Government of the Republic of Korea provides support for the programme’s implementation and youth engagement efforts.

European Union

The European Union supports Youth Champions working on:

• Small arms
• Light weapons
• Ammunition management

Why Young Leaders Should Apply

The Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme is one of the few United Nations initiatives dedicated specifically to empowering youth in the field of disarmament and international security.

Participants gain:

• UN-level exposure
• Personalized mentorship
• Project funding support
• International networking
• Leadership development
• Global advocacy opportunities
• Real-world experience in peace and security

For young people committed to creating safer, more peaceful communities, this programme provides a unique platform to transform ideas into action while becoming part of a global movement for disarmament.

APPLY HERE

Visit HERE to learn more about the UN Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme 2026–2027.

Conclusion

The UN Youth4Disarmament Champions Programme 2026–2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for young peacebuilders, advocates, researchers, and emerging leaders to deepen their knowledge of disarmament while implementing meaningful projects in their communities. Through comprehensive training, expert mentorship, financial support, international travel opportunities, and engagement with global disarmament processes, the programme equips participants with the tools needed to drive positive change. As the world continues to face evolving security challenges, the voices, ideas, and leadership of young people are more important than ever. If you are passionate about peace, security, and creating a safer future, this United Nations programme could be your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

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