Background

Established by the First Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament, the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Programme has trained over 1,100 officials from 172 Member States since 1979. The Programme is implemented by the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).  

The Programme aims at the training and specialization of national officials, particularly in developing countries, to enable them to participate more effectively in international fora addressing disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control issues.

Participants in the United Nations Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament are selected among candidates nominated by the Member States of the United Nations (one nomination per Member State per year). The selection is based on the greater needs of developing countries to train their young diplomats; their professional experience; anticipated future responsibilities, as well as overall geographical and gender balance.

The Programme has enabled former Fellows to participate more effectively in regional and global efforts in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, and has created an informal network across all regions of the world to work cooperatively and constructively towards a common peaceful future.

The Programme covers all topics on the disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control agenda through a combination of theory and practice. Fellows benefit from lectures, simulations, practical exercises, e-learning, and research, as well as study visits to international organizations and to specific countries upon invitation of their Governments.

Nomination and Selection Process – 2024

Pursuant to the established practice, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has initiated the 2024 United Nations Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament by a note verbale, available in English and French.

Please, also kindly see:

1) Nomination Form – English – French

2) Guidelines – English – French

3) Letter of commitment – English – French

4) Checklist – English – French

This webpage is being updated: More information will come soon.

Go to Top