The global norm against biological weapons cannot be maintained without the inclusion of youth voices in the multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Youth perspectives are key to creating innovative solutions and generating long-term engagement. There are benefits to including the perspectives of young people from developing countries, where over 90% of the world’s youth reside.
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva, in partnership with key international actors that empower youth in science diplomacy and global biosecurity, the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship provides a unique learning and networking experience in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention.
Launched in 2019 as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop, the Youth for Biosecurity Initiative organized its first fellowship in 2023. For the third edition, the fellowship will provide the opportunity for 20 competitively selected young scientists from the Global South to join an online interactive training programme prior to a field visit during the meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva.
The Fellowship aims at allowing young biosecurity leaders from the Global South to:
- Learn & lead -> deepen your expertise in biosecurity and disarmament to build leadership skills,
- Think & act -> engage in discussions with senior experts and make your voice heard in the margins of multilateral disarmament meetings.
- Engage with the community -> connect with young experts in an international youth network and enjoy a space for dialogue between emerging scientists and BWC practitioners.
Who can apply?
To be eligible to apply, prospective fellows must:
- Be under 35 years old at the time of applying,
- Be citizens of a BWC State Party listed as least developed country, low- or lower/upper middle-income country (Check if your country is in the Development Assistance Committee List of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Have an advanced degree in the life sciences or a related discipline from a recognized university or institution. [Candidates with backgrounds in other fields such as social sciences can be exceptionally considered if they have a demonstrated interest in biosecurity, health security and/or disarmament and non-proliferation]
- Have a strong command of written and spoken English
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection process will be guided by the need to ensure the highest quality of participants while maintaining a gender and regional balance.
Who should apply?
Join the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship if you…
- Are passionate about and have experience in biosafety, biosecurity, disarmament and non-proliferation or youth involvement and want to understand your key role against the misuse of biological agents,
- Are willing to learn more about the Biological Weapons Convention and its critical role for disarmament and health security,
- Believe that young people can be a force for positive change and want to play an active and forward-looking role in building a more peaceful and secure world.
- Want to get an insider view into how science diplomacy happens in multilateral disarmament meetings
What does the programme include?
The Fellowship runs over a 3-month period and requires a minimal time commitment to accommodate fellows’ work or academic schedules. Activities include:
- A series of online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshops from 5 June to 5 July 2025, with approximately one session (two to three hours) per week.
- A collaborative project to prepare in July 2025 and to be presented at the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in August 2025
- A five-day field visit in Geneva from 11 to 15 August 2025 during the meetings of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention.
Expectations for a Youth for Biosecurity fellow:
- Attendance and participation in all online sessions and in the field visit [the fellows are responsible for obtaining the relevant authorizations from their employer or universities].
- Active engagement in all activities of the Fellowship – the Fellowship is an interactive and participative experience and relies on the fellows’ active participation
- Make time in your schedule to adequately prepare for all sessions and discussions – the course will be fairly intensive and prior preparation will be key to the fellows’ active participation.
To learn more and APPLY: https://disarmament.unoda.org/youth4biosec-fellowship-2025/
Ends On: 7th April 2025
