BACKGROUND
There are more than 1.9 billion people today between the ages of 10 and 24, making this the largest generation of young people the world has ever seen. Their numbers are expected to continue growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where young people represent a significant share of the population.
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), address global challenges and improve the lives of people and the health of the planet.
UNITAR is therefore delighted to offer an online training programme specifically designed for 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.
Through this programme, participants will strengthen their understanding of global issues, engage with the work of the United Nations and develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and shape a better future.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Duration: 4 weeks (28 days)
Format: Online
Location: Web-based (UNITAR e-Learning Platform)
Modality: Self-paced modules + live webinars & e-workshops
To register for the programme, please refer to the section below and select your preferred session — all registration links are available under Programme Dates.
PROGRAMME DATES
January Edition: 04 January - 29 January 2027 Register here
April Edition: 12 April - 07 May 2027 Register here
June Edition: 7 June - 2 July 2027 Register here
August Edition: 26 July - 20 August 2027 Register here
CONTENT
The United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme consists of a 4-week e-Learning course implemented on UNITAR’s e-learning platform. 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
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.
Registration
In order to register, kindly click on one of the links under the section "Programme Dates" to bring you on the specific event page. Once there, kindly follow the below steps:
- On the event page, click on "registration". The programme will then be added to your shopping cart.
- Click on the "check out" button
- Create your profile on the UNITAR event page and fill out the required sections
- Review the accuracy of all information and choose payment method: (i) credit card or (ii) bank transfer
- If you choose credit card, your payment is definite and is completed immediately on the spot
- If you choose to pay by bank transfer, your payment is not definite yet and could be delayed to a later point in time
- Click on complete payment. UNITAR will then follow up with you via email.
We look forward to welcoming you to the programme!