2025 UNODA Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons (Fully Funded Study trip to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan)

Application Deadline: 13 April 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 UNODA Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons. 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. 

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. 
• 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.
  

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. 

Program Details

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.

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. 

Benefits

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)

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.

Certificates 

All participants who successfully complete the online component will receive an official certificate of completion from UNODA. 

Application Requirements

Contact

youthleaderfund@un.org

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNODA Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons