How can young leaders contribute to a world free of nuclear weapons? What role do education, advocacy, and storytelling play in shaping global peace efforts? The Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) equips young changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to advance nuclear disarmament.

The YLF is an innovative learning program designed to equip future leaders with the tools necessary to participate actively in global nuclear disarmament efforts. Through online training, interactive discussions, and an in-person study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, participants will gain first-hand exposure to the devastating impacts of nuclear weapons and the importance of advocating for a nuclear-free world.

Following the success of its first phase (2023-2024), the program now enters its second phase (2025-2026), with an increased emphasis on communication and storytelling as powerful advocacy tools. By integrating media training and practical skill development, YLF ensures that young advocates can effectively shape public opinion and influence policy decisions in their respective communities.

The Target Audience:
YLF welcomes youth aged 18-29 from all backgrounds, including international affairs, civil society, journalism, academia, and industry. Following Phase One, Phase Two emphasizes communication and storytelling as powerful advocacy tools, making it ideal for those with media and public engagement aspirations.

The program is open globally to participants from both nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Period: March 5 – April 13, 2025
• Selection of Online Participants: 2nd Quarter of 2025
• Number of Participants for Online Course: 100
• Online Course Start: 3rd Quarter of 2025
• Selection of In-Person Study Visit Participants: 1st Quarter of 2026
• Number of Participants for In-Person Study Visit: 50
• Study Visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 2nd Quarter of 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/female
• Target Group: Youth aged 18-29 interested in disarmament, international relations, journalism, or advocacy
• Focus Areas: Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, peace advocacy
• Number of Opportunities: 100 online courses, 50 in-person visits
• Duration: Four-month online program followed by a six-day study tour
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Japan

Benefits and Financial Aids

The participants will benefit from the following items:

• There is no registration fee for participation in the online foundation course
• Certificate of completion from UNODA upon successful completion of the online component
• Fully funded study visit for selected participants, covering:
  • Round-trip travel expenses to Japan (economy class)
  • Accommodation and subsistence allowance
  • Participation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki educational activities
  • Engagement with hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and local youth

Program Overview

The YLF runs from 2023 to 2030 in four phases of two years each. The current call is for the second phase (2025-2026). The program includes:

Online Learning (4 Months):

Participants will engage in self-paced eLearning, skill-building workshops, and live webinars with disarmament experts, requiring 4-6 hours per week.

Fully Funded Study Tour to Japan:

Fifty top participants will visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki for six days to meet hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and local youth, culminating in a youth-led event.

Creating Impact:

Participants will collaborate on awareness initiatives in their communities and mentor the next cohort, continuing engagement beyond the program.

Skills & Knowledge Areas:

Training covers disarmament, non-proliferation, conflict prevention, arms control, and leadership to equip participants for advocacy in a nuclear-free world.

Program Requirements:

Participants must meet specific requirements for both parts of the program:

For Online Learning:

• English proficiency
• Computer/mobile device with audio & video
• A stable internet connection (no special software needed)
• No prior knowledge of nuclear disarmament is required

For Study Tour (If Selected):

• Availability for 6-7 days in Japan (Q2 2026)
• Valid passport & visa (if required)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: 18-29 years old at the time of application.
• Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries and territories.
• Language: Conducted in English; proficiency required.
• Qualifications: No specific degree is needed; I am open to diverse educational backgrounds.
• Experience: No prior knowledge of disarmament is required; journalism and media applicants are encouraged.
• Ideal Candidates: Students, recent graduates, and early/mid-career professionals.

Required Documents

All applicants must complete the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Proof of English proficiency (if available)
• Valid passport (for selected participants of the study visit)

How to Apply?

Visit the official application portal using the link below.

Apply Now

For inquiries, contact [email protected] or check the official UNODA website.

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