- The programme is now accepting applications from Afghan youth including men and women engaged in sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives, such as small-scale agriculture, handicrafts, education, health and digital businesses to promote economic stability.
- Evacuees returning from different countries are also encouraged to apply, to establish entrepreneurial activities and to improve their economic situation.
- Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years of age with a working level of English language. Women with university degrees are highly encouraged to apply.
- The programme will run from August 2024 to March 2025. The application deadline is 9 August 2024 (23:59 Afghanistan local time)
UNITAR
19 July 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR invites Afghan youth to apply to the “UNITAR Training for Afghan Youth: Advancing Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship” training programme. This programme is open to youth keen on entrepreneurship and agribusiness and will run from August 2024 to March 2025, including two online phases and an in-person workshop. Participants will learn crucial digital, financial and entrepreneurship skills tailored to enhance food security and economic stability in their communities.
By the end of the programme, participants will be equipped to launch or scale up their business ventures, contributing effectively to their local economies and to their communities.
The programme will be delivered in English. Participants who complete the course and meet all requirements will receive a UNITAR certificate of completion. The training programme is free of charge thanks to the financial support of the Government and the People of Japan.
PHASES OF THE PROGRAMME
UNITAR
Phase I (August to November 2024)
Approximately 150 participants will be invited to join an online training on entrepreneurship, such as the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and agribusiness. Participants will learn how to identify alternative livelihood opportunities with high potential as business start-ups in their context. Participants will complete self-paced online courses, peer-to-peer discussions, assignments, and webinars by regional and international experts in the field.
Phase II (December 2024 to January 2025)
Approximately 100 top-ranked participants will be selected to continue and learn entrepreneurial tools, techniques and best practices to devise solutions for food security challenges. The participants will also prepare to launch innovative and sustainable businesses and projects that address the urgent needs stemming from food insecurity in Afghanistan. These may include climate-smart agricultural and aquacultural practices to counter environmental constraints. Participants will devise and implement strategies to address such local needs.
Phase III (February to March 2025)
Approximately 25 top performers will develop ready-to-launch blueprints for novel enterprises/projects, each with significant potential for job creation and resilience-building within the agri-food sector. This phase will include mentorship and coaching online, and a possible intensive workshop will be either online or in person, depending on the situation in Afghanistan and the participants’ circumstances.
ELIGIBILITY AND HOW TO APPLY
The programme is open to motivated young entrepreneurs from Afghanistan, who are/have:
- Passion to succeed and make a positive impact on your community
- Good spoken and written English skills
- Committed to completing the programme
- Work experience or interest in agribusiness and food security or general entrepreneurship
- Age 18-35 years
- Commit a minimum of 2-4 hours per week during the programme
ABOUT UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2022, UNITAR trained over 395,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world.
UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers world-class learning and knowledge-sharing services to present and future change-makers from around the world. Through our innovative training and learning opportunities – built on robust adult learning principles – we seek to promote sustainable, inclusive and just economic development and catalyse the creation of decent employment opportunities for all.
UNITAR Division for Prosperity supports youth and women in particular to address growing inequalities. We work in solidarity with diverse partners at the local, regional and global levels to propel the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals and achieve an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous world.
UNITAR FREE AND OPEN INDO-PACIFIC TRAINING PROGRAMME FLYER