Deadline: April 5, 2024.

The global norm against biological weapons cannot be maintained without youth voices  being  included  in the multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Youth perspectives are key to create innovative solutions and generate long-term engagement. There are particular benefits to including the perspectives of young people from developing countries, where most of the world’s youth is concentrated.

Organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva in partnership with key international actors empowering youth in science diplomacy and global biosecurity, the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship provides a unique learning and networking experience into multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons 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 community -> connect with young experts, join an international youth network and enjoy a space for dialogue between young scientists and BWC practitioners including diplomats and experts.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible to apply, prospective fellows must:

• Be under the age of 35
• Be citizens of a low- or middle-income BWC State Party (Check if your country is in the list  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.

BENEFITS

• Fully funded visit to Geneva during the Meeting of the Working Group on the strengthening of the Convention
• One month of pre-Working Group online workshop in the lead up to the field visit
• Small group interactions with leading experts in disarmament and nonproliferation, biosecurity, biosafety, and health security
• Opportunities to meet, collaborate and network with fellow young scientists, diplomats, experts, civil society organizations and other international youth-driven networks
• Be part of a growing network of early-career professional in biosecurity.

Apply through the OFFICIAL LINK