The UN Young Leaders Training Programme is open for applications!

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is offering two 5-day field visits to Geneva to provide young leaders with a first-hand experience of the United Nations.

DATES

SPRING EDITION: 6 – 10 APRIL 2020

SUMMER EDITION: 27 – 31 JULY 2020

There are an estimated 1.8 billion people today between the ages of 10 and 24, which is the largest generation of youth in human history. Their numbers are expected to grow—between 2015 and 2030 alone, about 1.9 billion young people are projected to turn 15 years old. 

Connected to each other like never before, young people increasingly contribute to innovative solutions, driving social progress and inspiring political initiatives. They are agents of change, mobilizing to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve the lives of people and the health of the planet.

UNITAR is therefore delighted to offer a five-day training programme in Geneva specifically designed for the global youth. It will offer participants the chance to gain first-hand experience of the United Nations and will provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to fully unfold their potential as global leaders.

WHAT IS THE CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME?

The Young Leaders Training Programme will provide a solid knowledge foundation in order to better understand the complexities around the UN and international affairs. It will therefore cover the following thematic areas:

• Peace and security
• Human rights and humanitarian affairs
• Global health and well-being
• Trade and technology
• Environment and sustainable development

UNITAR will host most of the programme in the headquarters of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the historic Palais des Nations. It will provide a unique agenda consisting of a nuanced balance between the following elements:

• Expert lectures
• Training workshops
• Multilateral conferences
• Private guided tours
• Group projects

Through the Young Leaders Training Programme, participants will also have the opportunity to attend real multilateral conferences on human rights and other relevant topics and visit a number of UN agencies based in Geneva:

• United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

WHAT IS THE PREMIUM PACKAGE?

Participants also have the chance to opt for the premium package. This includes a 4-week preparatory e-Learning course on the UNITAR online platform, implemented in the weeks prior to the visit and setting the stage for their time in Geneva.

The course comprises 6 different modules, which can be studied in a self-paced manner and require 6-8 hours of studying per week. It includes weekly reading material, multimedia files as well as moderated discussion boards. 

• Module 1: The United Nations
• Module 2: Conference Diplomacy
• Module 3: Negotiation Skills
• Module 4: Cross-cultural Communication
• Module 5: Sustainable Development
• Module 6: The Art of Speechwriting

For premium package participants, the accommodation in Geneva is also included in the fee. UNITAR will provide 6 nights in a reputable mid-range hotel in close proximity to the United Nations institutions.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The Young Leaders Training Programme is open to all actors related to international affairs wishing to take on leadership roles in their respective environment and to build up knowledge and skills related to the UN and International Geneva.

Participants can include university students, high school students and other aspiring young leaders of similar background. Junior professionals from the public and private sector and senior officials who are young at heart are equally welcome to apply.

In order to ensure the highest quality standards, the registration will be closed after 30 participants. Slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. At the end of the programme, participants will receive an official UNITAR certificate.

Official website