Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons
Young, future leaders global training programme for a world free of nuclear weapons
YLF Participants Organize the Youth Leader Conference
On 29 August, Participants of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) held the inaugural Youth Leader Conference
Streamed 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 Without Nuclear Weapons, or simply “DeclarACTION.” To read it’s text in full click here.
The new learning programme is 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.
What is unique about this programme?
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 Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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 Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, 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.
Who is
the target audience of the programme?
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 interested or
active in international affairs, such as government or civil society
organisations, as well as those with a background or interest in education, academia, journalism,
industry, and other areas, are encouraged to apply.
The programme is open to youth from
across the globe, from nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States
alike.
How is
the programme organised?
This
comprehensive programme combines interactive online learning, an immersive study tour, participation in a youth-led conference and collaborative activities.
Interactive
online component lasting 4 months:
The programme
kicks off with an engaging and interactive online component. Through self-paced eLearning modules 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 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, a select group of 50 participants will embark on a 6-day study tour to Japan. This experience will bring them to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where they will engage with hibakusha, the survivors of
the atomic bombings, and other. Additionally, they will participate actively in a youth-led conference, fostering meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas.
Collaborative creation of impactful activities:
Beyond the
conference, participants will play a vital role in 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.
What will participants
learn?
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 free of nuclear weapons. Participants will also hone their leadership, communications
and related skills.
What
do participants need to join the programme?
For online training courses:
·a computer or
mobile device, with audio;
·
a reliable internet
connection;
·no special
software is required;
· no previous knowledge of non-proliferation and disarmament issues is required;
·proficiency in English is required.
In-person study trip to Japan (if selected):
·availability to travel
to Japan for 6-7 days to take part to the study visit and the education activities;
·valid travel
documents (valid passport and visa, as required, prior to travel)
What is covered by the programme?
Registration fee for the online foundation course (eLearning modules, skill-building workshops and live webinars)
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 1 week
It is the responsibility of participants to obtain valid travel documents and visa. A valid global medical insurance is recommended.
What kind of certification
will the participantsreceive?
Certificate of completion: all
participants successfully completing the on-line component will receive an
official certificate of completion from UNODA.
What is the schedule of the
programme?
Dates are subject to confirmation.
Application period
18 May – 31 July 2023
Number of participants selected for the online foundation course
100
Online course starting
4th quarter of 2023
Selection of in-person study trip participants
Summer 2024
Number of participant’s selected for in-person study trip
50
Study trip to Hiroshima and Nagasaki
3rd quarter of 2024
Eligibility criteria
Age
At least 18 years old on 1 January 2023
Not older than 29 years old on 31 July 2023 (closing date of the call for application)
Birth date between 1 August 1993 and 1 January 2005
Nationality
The programme is open to national from all countries and territories
Language
The training courses
will be conducted in English only. Proficiency in English is required to participate
Qualifications
To apply for the programme, it is not necessary to have any specific degree or qualification. 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 the area.
The programme may be suitable for students, for those who have recently completed their education, and for those who are early or mid-career and are seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Selection process
UPDATED
The
selection process for the 2023-2024 cohort has been completed. All applicants should have received a response informing them of the outcome of their application. A new call for applications is expected in 2025. 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.
To apply for the programme, it is not necessary to have any specific degree or qualification. 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.