Young people interested in chemicals and waste management, environmental health, sustainable development, international environmental governance, and United Nations processes have an opportunity to participate in the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) are offering up to eight fully funded scholarships to eligible youth, students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals to participate in the second edition of the Study Programme from 9–13 November 2026.
The opportunity will also provide selected participants with additional opportunities to engage in youth activities and negotiations connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1) from 14–20 November 2026.
The scholarship is particularly valuable for young people from developing countries and other eligible groups who want practical exposure to United Nations environmental processes, professional development opportunities, expert-led learning, and youth participation in international chemicals and waste governance.
Application deadline: Friday, 11 September 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026: Overview
The November 2026 Study Programme is being organized following the successful inaugural edition held in July 2026.
The programme is intended to provide young participants with an opportunity to understand how chemicals and waste management issues are addressed within the United Nations system and international environmental governance.
Selected participants will take part in structured learning, professional development, expert sessions, site visits, career activities, and collaborative work.
The programme will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 9–13 November 2026, followed by opportunities related to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference from 14–20 November 2026.
Key details
- Opportunity: United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026
- Scholarship provider/organizers: Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform and UNITAR
- Scholarships available: Up to 8 fully funded scholarships
- Target participants: Youth, students, recent graduates and early-career professionals
- Age requirement: 18–35 years at the time of application
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Study Programme: 9–13 November 2026
- Additional GFC IC-1 opportunities: 14–20 November 2026
- Travel period required: 8–20 November 2026, inclusive
- Funding: Fully funded travel support for selected scholarship recipients
- Application deadline: 11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC
- Expected notification: Successful applicants are expected to be contacted by 19 September 2026
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
- Application: Online application form
What Is the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme?
The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme is a youth-focused learning and professional development programme connected to the international chemicals and waste management agenda.
It gives participants the opportunity to look beyond theoretical discussions and gain exposure to how chemicals and waste issues are addressed through international institutions and United Nations processes.
According to the programme information, participants will have opportunities to see the “behind the scenes” aspects of chemicals and waste processes within the UN system in Geneva. They will also participate in interactive training with experts and receive guidance concerning career pathways in the United Nations and international environmental governance.
The programme is therefore particularly relevant to young people who want to understand the intersection between:
- Environmental governance
- Chemicals management
- Waste management
- Environmental health
- Sustainable development
- International policy
- Multilateral negotiations
- United Nations processes
- Youth participation
- Environmental careers
Up to 8 Fully Funded Scholarships Available
One of the most significant features of the 2026 opportunity is the availability of up to eight fully funded scholarships.
The scholarships are intended to support eligible young participants who may otherwise face financial barriers to attending the programme in Geneva.
The organizers have outlined several forms of financial and logistical support for successful scholarship recipients.
The support includes international travel, accommodation, programme fees, and reimbursement of certain additional costs subject to the organizers’ conditions and approval.
Because the number of scholarships is limited, applicants should prepare carefully and ensure that their applications demonstrate genuine motivation, relevant interests, and a clear commitment to sharing what they learn.
What Does the Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship package includes several important components.
1. Economy-Class Round-Trip Flight
Selected scholarship recipients will receive economy-class, round-trip flight tickets, which will be booked by the Organizing Team.
This support is designed to enable eligible participants to travel to Geneva and return to their home country after the programme and associated activities.
2. Hotel Accommodation
Hotel accommodation will be arranged by the Organizing Team.
This removes a major cost associated with participating in an international programme in Geneva, where accommodation can otherwise represent a substantial portion of a participant’s travel budget.
3. Study Programme Fees
The scholarship covers the fees associated with participating in the Study Programme.
Selected participants therefore do not need to independently finance the programme participation costs covered under the scholarship.
4. Meals, Visa Fees and Transportation
The scholarship information also states that meals, visa fees and transportation costs can be reimbursed against receipts and subject to approval by the Organizing Team.
Applicants should therefore retain appropriate receipts and follow the organizers’ instructions concerning reimbursable expenses.
Important funding condition
Although the opportunity is described as fully funded, applicants should understand that certain expenses are handled through reimbursement and require receipts and approval.
The scholarship information also makes clear that visa approval is at the discretion of the relevant host and transit countries, while registration for the Study Programme and GFC IC-1 is subject to the decisions of UNITAR and the GFC Secretariat respectively. Completing the application does not guarantee admission or participation.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
The opportunity is specifically aimed at young people who meet a defined set of eligibility requirements.
Applicants must satisfy the stated criteria.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
This means the opportunity is designed for young adults, including students, recent graduates and professionals in the early stages of their careers.
Country and Community Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the programme’s geographic or community eligibility categories.
They must be from a:
- Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC)
- Least Developed Country (LDC)
- Small Island Developing State (SIDS)
Alternatively, the applicant may be a representative of Indigenous Peoples.
This is an important part of the eligibility criteria and should be carefully reviewed before applying.
Availability for the Full Programme
Applicants must be available to travel to and remain in Geneva from 8–20 November 2026, inclusive.
They must also be committed to participating in the full duration of the programme.
This requirement is particularly important because the opportunity extends beyond the five-day Study Programme itself. Participants may also engage in activities connected to GFC IC-1 during the subsequent period.
Application Deadline Requirement
Applicants must submit a completed application by the stated deadline:
11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
What Kind of Applicants Are the Organizers Looking For?
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will be selected.
The Selection Team will evaluate applications based on the quality and sincerity of the applicants’ written responses.
In particular, the programme seeks applicants who can demonstrate:
- Clear motivation for participating
- Relevant interests or experience
- Alignment with chemicals and waste management or related fields
- Interest in environmental health or international environmental governance
- Connection between the programme and their career aspirations
- A commitment to sharing knowledge after the programme
- An interest in contributing to follow-up activities within their communities, organizations or networks
This means that applicants should not simply state that they want to travel to Geneva or attend a United Nations event.
A stronger application should demonstrate why the programme matters to the applicant’s current activities, interests and future plans.
Applicants Must Use Their Own Voice
The organizers have provided an important warning concerning the application.
Copy-pasted AI-generated responses are not permitted.
The programme emphasizes that sincere and personalized applications are more valuable than responses that simply appear grammatically perfect.
Applicants are encouraged to explain what genuinely excites them about the programme, describe relevant projects they are working on, and share experiences or stories that help the Selection Team understand who they are.
This is especially important for applicants preparing written responses.
Instead of producing generic statements such as “I am passionate about environmental sustainability,” applicants should explain:
- What sparked their interest in the subject.
- What they are currently doing.
- What environmental or chemicals-related challenge they have encountered.
- What project they are working on.
- What they hope to learn.
- How they intend to apply the knowledge after returning home.
- How they could contribute to their community or professional network.
The objective should be to communicate an authentic personal story.
What Will Participants Learn?
The November Study Programme includes several components designed to provide participants with both technical knowledge and practical exposure.
According to the programme information, the programme will include:
- Expert lectures
- Technical workshops
- Site visits
- Career sessions
- Collaborative innovation activities
- Exposure to UN chemicals and waste processes
- Professional development
- Guidance on career pathways in international environmental governance
These activities can give participants a more comprehensive understanding of the international chemicals and waste management system.
Expert Lectures and Technical Workshops
Participants will attend expert lectures and technical workshops addressing thematic areas connected to chemicals and waste management.
These sessions can provide opportunities to learn directly from experts working in the field and to better understand the challenges involved in managing chemicals and waste at international and national levels.
The technical component is particularly relevant for participants pursuing careers or projects related to environmental policy, environmental health, sustainable development, chemicals management, waste management or related disciplines.
Site Visits in Geneva
The programme will also include site visits to Geneva-based institutions.
The information provided specifically mentions visits to places such as:
- Palais des Nations
- A hazardous waste management facility
These visits can provide participants with practical exposure to institutions and facilities relevant to international governance and chemicals and waste management.
This practical element can complement the classroom-style learning and expert sessions.
Career Sessions and United Nations Career Pathways
Another major component of the programme is career development.
Participants will receive insights into United Nations internship and entry-level recruitment processes.
The sessions are intended to provide guidance concerning career pathways within the UN system and international environmental governance.
For young professionals and recent graduates interested in international organizations, this can provide useful exposure to how careers in multilateral institutions can develop.
Pollution Solutions Lab
The programme will feature the Pollution Solutions Lab, described as a flagship CWYP-UNITAR innovation and “hackathon” session.
During this activity, participants will work collaboratively to develop practical project proposals addressing chemicals and waste management challenges.
This component moves beyond passive learning.
Participants will have an opportunity to collaborate with other young people, think about real-world environmental challenges, and develop practical responses.
The experience may be particularly useful for applicants interested in:
- Environmental innovation
- Project development
- Social impact
- Sustainability
- Policy solutions
- Entrepreneurship
- Youth-led environmental action
UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Participants who complete the programme will receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.
The certificate can serve as evidence of participation in an international training programme focused on chemicals and waste management and related areas.
Applicants should, however, view the certificate as one component of the broader learning experience. The programme’s practical sessions, expert engagement, site visits, collaborative work and exposure to international environmental governance are also important aspects of the opportunity.
What Is UNITAR?
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has been involved in capacity building since 1963.
According to the programme information, UNITAR provides more than 500,000 learning initiatives annually.
Through its Division for Planet, UNITAR’s Chemicals and Waste Management Programme supports countries in implementing international agreements related to chemicals and waste.
The programme information identifies several important international agreements and frameworks associated with this work, including:
- Basel Convention
- Rotterdam Convention
- Stockholm Convention
- Minamata Convention
- Global Framework on Chemicals
As of 2026, UNITAR also serves as the host of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) Secretariat.
What Is the Global Framework on Chemicals?
The Study Programme is connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) and its First International Conference.
The Global Framework on Chemicals is described as a comprehensive policy framework for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.
It was adopted in September 2023 at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management.
The framework addresses a broad range of chemical safety issues, including:
- Highly hazardous pesticides
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- Pharmaceutical pollutants
- Safer chemicals management
- Chemical production
- Chemical use
- Chemical disposal
The framework replaced the earlier Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and establishes five strategic objectives and 28 targets, with many intended to be achieved between 2030 and 2035.
Why Youth Participation in the Global Framework on Chemicals Matters
The programme highlights youth participation as an important component of the Global Framework on Chemicals process.
According to the information provided, the GFC’s multistakeholder and multisectoral model creates opportunities for youth and other civil society groups to participate directly in discussions and negotiations.
Youth participants can potentially:
- Propose text and resolutions.
- Deliver interventions during negotiations.
- Participate alongside country delegates.
- Meet country and stakeholder delegations.
- Advocate for youth priorities.
- Participate in the Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste.
- Contribute to policy discussions concerning chemicals and waste.
This makes the opportunity relevant not only to students and professionals seeking training but also to young people interested in environmental policy advocacy and international negotiations.
Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference
Following the Study Programme, additional youth engagement opportunities will be coordinated around the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1).
The Study Programme takes place from 9–13 November 2026, while the associated GFC IC-1 opportunities run from 14–20 November 2026.
The programme information states that youth delegates may be expected to participate in activities including:
- Spoken interventions
- Written interventions
- Meetings with country delegations
- Meetings with stakeholder delegations
- Youth policy discussions
- The three-day Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste
This gives selected young people an opportunity to move from learning about international environmental governance to actively participating in it.
Travel and Participation Period
Applicants should pay close attention to the required travel period.
Successful applicants must be available in Geneva from:
8 November to 20 November 2026, inclusive.
This requirement means applicants should not assume that the opportunity only requires attendance during the five-day Study Programme.
The full period is relevant because selected participants may also be expected to engage in activities associated with GFC IC-1.
Applicants should therefore confirm that they can obtain the necessary leave from work, school or other commitments before applying.
Visa Support
International participants who require a visa to travel to Switzerland may need additional documentation.
The programme information states that UNITAR can provide an official letter of invitation upon confirmation of registration for participants who require support with their visa applications.
However, applicants should understand that receiving an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.
The organizers explicitly state that visa confirmation is at the discretion of the host and transit countries.
Applicants who may require a visa should therefore begin considering the process early and follow all official instructions provided after selection.
Previous Applicants Can Be Considered Again
Applicants who submitted a scholarship application for the July 2026 edition of the programme have a specific option.
If they are still available to participate in the November 2026 session, they may indicate in the application that they want their previous application to be considered again.
In that case, their previous application can be reviewed for the November session and they do not necessarily need to complete an entirely new application.
However, applicants are also permitted to submit a new application if there have been significant changes to their:
- Experience
- Activities
- Circumstances
- Current candidacy
This gives previous applicants an opportunity to ensure that the Selection Team has the most relevant information about their current profile.
How Applications Will Be Evaluated
The programme emphasizes the importance of the written responses.
Selection will consider whether applicants demonstrate:
Genuine motivation
Applicants should explain why they genuinely want to participate.
Relevant interests
Their interests should connect with chemicals and waste management, environmental health or related fields.
Career alignment
Applicants should explain how the programme connects with their present work, interests and future career aspirations.
Community contribution
Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to share the knowledge gained through the programme.
Follow-up engagement
The organizers are interested in applicants who can contribute to follow-up activities in their communities, organizations or networks.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Although the application is open to eligible young people, the limited number of scholarships means applicants should make their responses as relevant and authentic as possible.
1. Explain Your Motivation
Do not simply say that you want to participate because the programme is fully funded.
Explain why chemicals and waste management matter to you.
For example, an applicant could discuss:
- An environmental issue in their community.
- A research project.
- A youth initiative.
- Professional experience.
- Environmental advocacy.
- Academic interests.
- A local waste-management challenge.
- Interest in environmental health.
The most important consideration is authenticity.
2. Connect the Programme to Your Career
Explain how participating could contribute to your future career.
This might involve ambitions related to:
- Environmental policy
- International development
- Chemicals management
- Waste management
- Environmental health
- Sustainable development
- International organizations
- Environmental advocacy
- Multilateral negotiations
3. Demonstrate What You Are Already Doing
Applicants should highlight relevant activities they are already undertaking.
These could include:
- Research
- Community projects
- Youth leadership
- Environmental campaigns
- Academic work
- Volunteer activities
- Policy advocacy
- Professional experience
4. Explain How You Will Share the Knowledge
Because the programme specifically values applicants who intend to share knowledge after participation, explain what you will do with what you learn.
Possible approaches could include sharing knowledge through:
- Your organization
- Your university
- Community activities
- Youth networks
- Workshops
- Professional networks
- Environmental campaigns
- Social media education
- Policy discussions
5. Write in Your Own Voice
The organizers explicitly discourage copied AI-generated responses.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their application reflects their actual experiences, motivations and aspirations.
APPLY HERE
Application Deadline
The deadline for the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026 scholarship is:
11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Applicants should submit their completed application before the deadline.
The organizers expect successful applicants to be contacted by 19 September 2026.
Because the deadline is expressed in UTC, applicants should convert the deadline to their local time and avoid waiting until the final minutes.
What Happens After Applying?
Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Team.
Successful applicants are expected to be contacted by 19 September 2026.
Applicants should understand that submitting the form does not automatically guarantee:
- Selection for the scholarship
- Admission to the Study Programme
- Registration for GFC IC-1
- Visa approval
The organizers explicitly state that registration and visa approval remain subject to the relevant authorities and organizations.
Privacy and Application Information
The programme includes a privacy notice for applicants.
The personal information submitted through the application is intended to be accessed by the Organizing Team for the purpose of facilitating participation in the programme.
The organizers state that information will not be shared outside the Organizing Team and will not be retained beyond the programme dates.
For travel grant applications, submissions are anonymized before being shared with the independent Selection Team.
Applicants should nevertheless ensure that the information they submit is accurate and relevant to the application.
Opportunity for Selection Team Volunteers
The programme also provides a separate opportunity for individuals who are not applying for the scholarship but would like to support the selection process.
People interested in joining the Selection Team can contact:
secretariat@chemwasteyouth.org
They should use the subject line:
“Selection Team Volunteer – CW Study Programme”
The email should include the person’s:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Contact information
This is a separate volunteer opportunity and should not be confused with the eight fully funded scholarships.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before submitting an application, eligible candidates should carefully consider several important points.
The scholarship is highly limited
Only up to eight fully funded scholarships are available, meaning competition is likely to be significant.
Eligibility requirements are mandatory
Applicants must satisfy the stated age, geographic/community, availability and application requirements.
Authenticity matters
The organizers specifically state that copy-pasted AI-generated responses are not permitted.
The full travel period is important
Applicants must be available from 8–20 November 2026, rather than only during the five-day Study Programme.
Visa approval is not guaranteed
An applicant remains responsible for meeting the relevant visa requirements, and visa approval is determined by the appropriate authorities.
The application does not guarantee admission
Completing the application does not guarantee selection for the Study Programme or registration for the associated GFC IC-1 activities.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity could be particularly suitable for a young person who:
- Is between 18 and 35 years old.
- Comes from an eligible LMIC, LDC or SIDS, or represents Indigenous Peoples.
- Has an interest in chemicals and waste management.
- Is interested in environmental health.
- Is pursuing environmental or sustainability-related work.
- Is interested in international environmental governance.
- Wants to understand United Nations processes.
- Has a relevant project, activity, research interest or professional experience.
- Is interested in environmental policy or negotiations.
- Can participate in the full programme and associated activities.
- Is willing to share knowledge with their community or network after the programme.
The opportunity is especially relevant to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine connection between their background, current activities and the programme’s subject areas.
Visit HERE to learn more about the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026.
Conclusion
The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026 provides a rare opportunity for eligible young people to gain first-hand exposure to international environmental governance in Geneva while learning from experts, visiting relevant institutions, participating in technical workshops and developing practical solutions to chemicals and waste challenges.
With up to eight fully funded scholarships, selected participants can receive economy-class round-trip flights, hotel accommodation, Study Programme fees, and reimbursement of approved meals, visa fees and transportation costs.
The programme goes beyond conventional classroom training. Participants will have opportunities to explore the UN system, learn about international chemicals and waste agreements, participate in career sessions, collaborate through the Pollution Solutions Lab, and engage with youth activities associated with the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference.
For young people from eligible developing countries, Small Island Developing States and Indigenous Peoples communities who are passionate about environmental issues, chemicals and waste management, environmental health or international policy, this could be an important opportunity to strengthen both professional knowledge and international networks.
Interested applicants should prepare an authentic, personalized application that clearly explains their motivation, relevant experience or interests, career aspirations and plans to share the knowledge gained with their communities or networks.
Application deadline: 11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and can commit to being in Geneva from 8–20 November 2026 before submitting their application.
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