Disarmament in Review
Q. What is the YouthChampions4Disarmament Programme?
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is looking for young persons (ages 18 – 24) motivated to use their ideas and talents to make a difference, doing the work, taking action and create a more peaceful and secure world.
In addition to young people with an interest in international affairs or international relations, we also strongly encourage individuals with a background in other areas such as history, science, economics, languages, film, media, dance, song, theatre, visual arts, creative writing or any other field to submit an application.
Our intention is to bring together an eclectic and geographically diverse group of young people, from across the globe, who can become advocates for disarmament.
Q. What does the programme consist of?
The ten youth champions will receive training in general principles of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control through on-line courses and a two-week in-person study tour in Vienna, Geneva, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The study tour will take place in June 2020.
Youth Champions will exchange ideas with disarmament experts from think tanks, civil society organizations and the diplomatic field, and develop their own plans on how to engage in their communities on issues related to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs will support with mentoring and guidance throughout the programme.
Q. What is the application deadline?
Applications are open until March 18th, 2020
Q. English language proficiency
You need to speak, write and understand English easily. You do not need to hand in an IELTS or TOEFL test score.
Q. Where do I apply?
Please use this link to apply: https://www.cognitoforms.com/UNODA1/UnitedNationsDisarmamentYouthChampionsApplicationForm
Q. Who is eligible to apply for the programme?
You are eligible to apply as long as you are between 18-24 yrs at the time of the application. If you are still in high school, you can also apply. Applicants from all kinds of backgrounds (e.g. STEM subjects) are welcome.
Q. Is there an application fee?
No, there is no fee to apply for the programme.
Q. How should the transcripts be sent in?
Transcripts should be in English. If your most recent transcript is not available, please add the transcripts you have from the past two years, including high school transcripts.
Q. How should the letters of recommendation look like?
You need three letters of recommendation, both academic and non-academic, at least one of each . Academic letters of recommendation can be from your institution, e.g. teachers, professors, deans. Please note that you need at least one non-academic letter of recommendation (e.g. whether it be a leader in your community or a peer). There is no specific form but the letter needs to be signed, scanned and uploaded, and must be in English.
Q. What is a Zip Code?
Both 5- and 6-digit Zip codes can be entered. The Zip code or postal is connected to the address code of your hometown. In case you do not have zip or postal code, please enter five zeros.
Q. What are the exact dates of the study tour?
On-line courses will start in May and study tour in mid-June (tbd). Exact dates for the study tour will be announced in May and are subject to change.
Q. What does the employment section cover?
You can add any employment experiences you have, including internships. Please note that this is not an eligibility criterion.
Q. How will I know whether I was successful?
You will only be contacted if successful. Successful candidates will be contacted in April.
Q. Do I need to have a passport?
Successful candidates must have a passport that is valid through December 2020.
Q. Are Visa provisions taken by the UN or do I need to take care of them myself?
Successful candidates need to apply for a visa, it is highly advised that you seek information about the process immediately. Do not wait until the last minute if this applies to you. You will receive a confirmation letter if you are selected as a Disarmament Youth Champion.
Q. I realized I made a mistake in the application. Can I resubmit it?
You are allowed to only submit one application.
Q. Can I save my application and finish it later?
Yes, you can save an application and finish it later.
Q. I am only in high school. How do I fill out the secondary education part?
You can leave this section blank as you have not yet finished your secondary education.
Q. Do I need health insurance in all countries that study tour travels to?
Yes, you need to have health insurance that covers you in all countries the study tour travels to. Basic Travel Medical Insurance will be provided under the programme. However, all participants should have supplemental global medical insurance for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred and must hold valid global medical insurance.
