About the UNITAR Youth Scholarship Opportunity
The Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform, in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, is offering fully funded youth scholarships for the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme in Geneva, Switzerland. The November 2026 edition of the study programme will run from 9 to 13 November and is scheduled immediately before the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals.
The opportunity is aimed at young people interested in chemicals and waste management, environmental governance, sustainability and international policy. It gives selected participants a chance to learn directly from specialists working around the international systems that shape chemicals and waste policy.
What the Study Programme Covers
The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme is a five-day capacity-development programme delivered by UNITAR in Geneva. It is designed to build practical understanding of international chemicals and waste governance and the institutions involved in developing and implementing global policy.
UNITAR’s programme information lists expert sessions involving or drawing on the work of organisations and frameworks such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, the Global Framework on Chemicals, the International Labour Organization, the Minamata Convention Secretariat and other institutions working on environmental policy and chemicals management.
Why the November 2026 Edition Is Timely
The November edition takes place just before the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals. UNITAR’s current scholarship announcement says participants will have opportunities to learn from experts, connect with policymakers and other young professionals, and engage with discussions around the future of chemicals and waste management.
This makes the programme particularly relevant for young people who want exposure to multilateral environmental governance, international policy processes and professional networks based in Geneva.
Who Can Apply
The current scholarship announcement is open to young people aged 18 to 35. Applicants from developing countries, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Island Developing States and Indigenous Peoples are specifically encouraged to apply.
The opportunity may suit students, recent graduates, early-career professionals and young practitioners whose work or studies connect with sustainability, environmental policy, public health, chemicals management, waste management, climate or international affairs.
What Participants Can Gain
Participants can expect structured learning on the international management of chemicals and waste, exposure to experts and institutions working in Geneva, and opportunities to understand how multilateral policy is developed and implemented. UNITAR also states that participants who complete the study programme receive a Certificate of Completion.
The scholarship is described by UNITAR as fully funded. Applicants should read the scholarship application information carefully for the exact financial arrangements and participation conditions that apply to the November cohort.
Programme Dates and Location
- Study Programme: 9–13 November 2026
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Related GFC conference period: mid-November 2026
- Host: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- Scholarship partner: Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform
- Age range: 18–35
How to Apply
UNITAR’s official announcement provides a dedicated youth-scholarship application link. Applicants should complete the scholarship form using accurate personal, academic and professional information and explain their interest in chemicals and waste management, environmental governance or related policy areas.
Because this is a competitive fully funded opportunity, a strong application should clearly connect the applicant’s current work or studies with the programme and explain how the knowledge and networks gained in Geneva could be used after the programme.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Before starting the form, prepare a concise summary of your education, professional or volunteer experience and any projects connected to sustainability, public health, waste, chemicals, climate policy or youth engagement. Be specific about the issue you care about and what you hope to learn.
If the form asks how you will use the programme experience, focus on realistic follow-up actions such as applying the knowledge in your organisation, university, community project, advocacy work or professional field. Avoid generic statements that do not show a clear connection to the programme.
FAQ
Where will the programme take place?
The programme will be held in Geneva, Switzerland.
What is the age requirement?
The current UNITAR announcement identifies young people aged 18 to 35 as the target group.
Is the opportunity fully funded?
Yes. UNITAR’s current public scholarship announcement describes the youth scholarships as fully funded.
What will participants receive after completing the programme?
UNITAR states that participants who complete the study programme receive a Certificate of Completion.
