Deadline:
July 23, 2026
Program Starts: July 27, 2026
Program Ends: August 21, 2026
Location(s)
Online Switzerland
Location: web-based (UNITAR e-Learning Platform)
Overview
The United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme consists of a 4-week e-Learning course implemented on UNITAR’s e-learning platform.
Details
BACKGROUND
There are an estimated 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24, accounting for about 16 percent of the world’s population, according to the UN Youth Office. This generation is growing up in a rapidly changing global landscape, where digital connectivity, social movements, and transnational challenges are reshaping how young people learn, engage, and influence global affairs.
Across countries and regions, youth are contributing to climate action, innovation, community leadership, and policy advocacy. Their participation is increasingly recognized as essential to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening international cooperation.
To support this engagement, UNITAR will offer an online training programme designed specifically for youth worldwide. This course introduces participants to the structure, values, and practical work of the United Nations, while developing skills relevant to global leadership. Through interactive modules, live sessions, and expert input, young people gain a clearer understanding of how international diplomacy works and how they can take part in shaping solutions to global challenges.
The programme equips participants with foundational knowledge, practical tools, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to international cooperation, whether in their communities, academic pathways, or future professional roles.
CONTENT
The course comprises 4 different modules, which can be studied in a self-paced manner and require 4-6 hours of studying per week.
- Module 1: The United Nations
- Module 2: Conference Diplomacy
- Module 3: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Module 4: Cosmopolitan Communication
The course includes weekly reading material, multimedia files as well as discussion boards exchanging views with fellow participants and UNITAR instructors. In addition, the Young Leaders Online Training Programme will be complemented by several 1.5 hour live-webinars. These will be delivered through the platform zoom by UN experts and comprise the following topics:
- Webinar A - The United Nations System
- Webinar B - The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Webinar C - Model United Nations (MUN) Training
- Webinar D - UN Career Development
In addition to the above live webinars, there will be one 3.5-hour e-workshop per week. These will focus on Leadership, Negotiation and UN career development. For more information regarding the program‘s content, schedule and expert biographies, kindly check the course syllabus of the previous edition
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
PARTICIPANTS
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 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, all participants will receive an official UNITAR certificate of completion.
Dates
Deadline: July 23, 2026
Program starts:
July 27, 2026
Program ends:
August 21, 2026
Program Starts: July 27, 2026
Program Ends: August 21, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Price: $750.00
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
