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After the successful completion of Phase I of this innovative programme in 2023-2024, YLF has launched its second phase in 2025. This is a learning programme for young, future leaders for a world free of nuclear weapons.
Opportunity Details
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.
Importantly, participants will learn about the lessons that the survivors of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, 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.
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.
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 4-6hours.
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 ayouth-led event, fostering meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas.
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.
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.
The programme will provide foundational skills and knowledge including ondisarmament, 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 without nuclear weapons. Participants will also hone their leadership, communications and related skills.
Please note the dates are subject to confirmation.
| Application period | 5 March - 13 April 2025 |
| Selection of online participants | 2nd quarter of 2025 |
| Number of participants selected for the online foundation course | 100 |
| Online course starting | 3rd quarter of 2025 |
| Selection of in-person study visit participants | 1st quarter of 2026 |
| Number of participants selected for the in-person study visit | 50 |
| Study visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki | 2nd quarter of 2026 |
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:
For online training courses:
In-person study trip to Japan (if selected):
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 with an interest or background in international affairs—such as government or civil society organizations—along with those involved in education, academia, journalism, industry, and other fields, are encouraged to apply. Phase II distinguishes itself through its emphasis on communication and storytelling as tools for advocacy, recognizing the power of narratives in shaping public opinion and policy. To this end, media and communications training will be integrated into the curriculum, making the programmeespecially appealing to participants with journalism and media backgrounds or aspirations. This approach ensures a cohort well-equipped to communicate the urgency of nuclear disarmament effectively.
The programme is open to youth from across the globe, from nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States alike.
Age
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.
No previous knowledge of non-proliferation and disarmament issues is required. We encourage applications from those new to this field. Participants with journalism and media backgrounds, or those aspiring to such careers, are particularly encouraged to apply for this cohort (please see above).
The programme may be especially suitable for students, those who have recently completed their education, and those who are early or mid-career professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Selection process
The applications for the second phase of the YLF Programme are now open! 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.
Certificates
All participants who successfully complete the online component will receive an official certificate of completion from UNODA.
Contact
Apply for UNODA Youth Leader Fund