Are you ready to attend a fully funded five-day youth forum in Geneva, Switzerland ? Applications are now open for the 2026 Youth Biosecurity Fellowship , organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Switzerland . The program includes three months of workshops and online sessions on biosecurity and diplomacy. Following this, 20 participants will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for a field visit from August 17 to 21, 2026. The fellowship aims to engage and empower young leaders in the field of biosecurity, enhancing their knowledge in this area and in disarmament. There is no application fee, and no IELTS score is required. More details are available below.

Overview of the 2026 UN Office for Sustainable Development Youth Fellowship Programme for Biosecurity

• Country : Switzerland
• Location : Geneva
• Funded by : The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
• Number of participants : 20
• Advantages : Fully funded
• Deadline: March 5, 2026

Financial advantages

The program includes the following:

• Round-trip airfare to/from Switzerland
• Daily living allowance
• Official invitation letter for visa application

This program is supported by the European Union, the Global Health Security Fund, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Program structure

• The program lasts three months.
• The colleagues are participating in an online workshop on biosecurity diplomacy (from June 3 to July 1, 2026).
• A five-day visit to Geneva from 17 to 21 August 2026. This includes all expenses.

Fellowship goals

• Learn and lead:
  • Deepen your expertise in the field of biosecurity and disarmament.
  • Develop and improve your leadership skills.
• Think and act:
  • Participate in discussions with leading experts.
  • Share your opinion in multilateral disarmament discussions during relevant meetings.
• Interacting with the community:
  • Connect with young experts in an international youth network.
  • Participating in the dialogue between emerging scientists and practitioners of the Biological Weapons Convention.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must not be older than 35 years of age.
• Must be a citizen of an eligible country (as listed here).
• He must have an advanced degree in life sciences or a related discipline from a recognized university or institution.
• Applicants with backgrounds in the social sciences may be considered for nomination on an exceptional basis.
• Undergraduate students can also apply.
• We strongly encourage female candidates to apply.

Required documents

• the biography
• Letters of recommendation
• Copy of passport

How to apply for the 2026 UNODC Youth Fellowship for Biosecurity?

Applicants must submit their applications electronically via the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNODA) website. The official website link is below.