Disarmament in Review
Basics
Q. What is the programme about?
A. On 1 August 2022, at the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Prime Minister KISHIDA of Japan announced the establishment of this Fund for UN disarmament and non-proliferation education and youth outreach in support of a world without nuclear weapons.
The primary goal of this programme is to bring young, future leaders from both nuclear and non-nuclear-weapon States to Japan to learn firsthand the catastrophic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, and bring the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the world. The programme seeks to engage and develop the capacities of a diverse cross section of future leaders, representing governments, civil society, education, academia, media, industry, and other sectors, to serve as advocates for a world without nuclear weapons – thus furthering the lifetime work and objectives of the Hibakusha.
It also aims to create a global alumni network of diverse international cohorts of future leaders and other key actors from governments, civil society, education, academia, media, industry, and other sectors.
The programme will not serve as a grant provider or trust fund.
Q. What are the objectives of the programme?
A. 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.
Q. What are the components of the programme?
A. The programme will run from 2023 to 2030 across four phases of two years each. This call for applicants is for the first phase of the programme – for the years of 2023 and 2024.
- In the first year of each phase, the selected 100 participants will participate in online training courses about general principles of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, as well as focusing on specific skills that participants can usefully employ to further the objectives of the programme.
- In the second year, participants will travel for a week to Japan as a natural centre for building momentum on discussions of security and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Participants will engage in both a study visit and a participant-led conference, where they will contribute to the development of the next phases.
Q. Who is eligible for the programme?
A. Anyone, aged between 18 and 29 years *, who is proficient in English. No specific degree or qualification is required. No previous knowledge of disarmament and non-proliferation is required.
* Birth date between 1 August 1993 and 1 January 2005
Q. What are relevant dates/timeframes for the programme?
A. Tentative timeframes are as follows. All timeframes remain subject to change.
| 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 |
Q When will I receive a reply on the result of the selection process?
A. All applicants will be notified about the outcome of the selection process by the end of the fourth quarter in 2023. Not being selected for this phase of the programme does not preclude application for future iterations.
Technical issues
Q. I filled in the application form and pressed the “submit and apply” button, but it did not work. Does this mean I am not eligible for the programme?
A. Please check if you have filled all the required fields. If it still does not function, please save what you inputted in a Word document and try resubmitting your application. Please be assured that the timing of your application, as long as within the open application period, does not affect the result of the selection. You should receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application.
Q. I cannot find where I can apply for the programme.
A. Please click the “Apply” button at the bottom of the programme page: https://www.disarmamenteducation.org/index.php?go=education&do=training-ylf
It will take you to the login page of the UNODA Disarmament Education Dashboard. You will be requested to create an account before proceeding to the application for the programme. If you already have your account on the Dashboard, you can apply with that account.
Nationality
Q. I cannot find my country in the dropdowns of the application page. Am I not eligible for the programme?
A. If you cannot locate your country of nationality, please select “Other” in the dropdown menu and manually enter the relevant information.
Age
Q. I am outside the eligible age range. Can still apply?
A. Unfortunately, exceptions to the established age criterion for the Youth Leader Fund cannot be made for the first phase from 2023 to 2024. Applicants below or over the eligibility range may apply to future iterations of the programme.
Fee/Cost
Q. Is there any application/registration fee I need to pay?
A. No. There will be no fees incurred at any point of the application process.
Q. Who will pay the travel cost, accommodation, and other relevant expenditures for the study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
A. Travel and accommodation for successful candidates selected to participate in the study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki will be covered by the organizer. Please note that it is the responsibility of participants to obtain valid documents and visa for any travel they may be offered. If selected for travel, participants will receive a confirmation letter to be used for their visa application. All participants are responsible for costs arising from visa requests and processing and from any accidents and/or illness during participation in the programme. A valid global medical insurance is recommended.
Q. What do I need to prepare to join the programme?
A.
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)
Other opportunities
Q. I am not eligible for this programme, but I am interested in other programmes of this kind. Are there any other opportunities?
A. ODA offers a variety of learning and empowerment initiatives for youth and young professionals. We are continuously expanding our offer of available learning opportunities for different audiences. Please check back regularly on our website and social media for new initiatives.
Language
Q. I am not proficient in English, but I am proficient in/I am native speaker of other UN official language(s). Will interpretation be provided throughout the programme?
A. The training courses will be conducted in English only. Proficiency in English is required to participate.
Q. I speak other UN official language(s) in addition to English. Will it be an asset in the application process?
A. Multilingualism is a core value of the UN. Please ensure that you indicate what language(s) other than English you have good command of.
Overdue Application
Q. I am unable to complete my application by the stated deadline, Monday 31 July 2023 23:59 (UTC). Can I apply at a later date?
A. No. The application closure period is fixed. Please consider applying for next phase(s).
Experience
Q. I have an academic degree that has nothing to do with disarmament, nor do I have any professional experience. Am I really eligible to apply for the programme?
A. Yes. 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.
Documents
Q. What format should the recommendation letters take?
A. There is no designated format. Please feel free to use any format you prefer, as long as it meets the requirements stated.
Q. To whom should my motivation statement be addressed to?
A. A particular addressee is not necessary. Letters of recommendation can be addressed to whom it may concern.
Q. As for Recommendation letters and Transcript, it is stated that it should be “if feasible, in English, French or Spanish”. Will documents written in other language result in lower scoring?
A. No. Application documents in other languages are acceptable.
Q. I have not graduated from university. What transcript should I upload?
A. Please upload a transcript of your highest academic degree or other evidence of academic achievement.
Others
Q. Do I need to be nominated by the government of my nationality?
A. No. All applications must be completed individually by the applicant.
