Channeling youth expertise and influence for a world without nuclear weapons | UNSSC

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of 2023, the world’s nuclear-armed states collectively possess more than 12,500 nuclear warheads – of which about 30 per cent are deployed, escalating geopolitical tensions and violence across the globe. However, nuclear disarmament has been one of the top priorities of the UN since its establishment. The first ever resolution of the UN General Assembly for example established a dedicated commission to deal with the discovery of the atomic bomb, which already at that time was considered as one of the biggest threats to humankind.

Simultaneously, the world is now witnessing the largest generation of young people in history, totaling 1.2 billion individuals aged 15-24. This demographic reality positions young people as important actors in nuclear disarmament. As mentioned in the New Agenda for Peace, youth are essential to identifying new solutions that will secure the breakthroughs that our world urgently needs. The importance of ensuring their meaningful engagement in peace and security processes is also reaffirmed by the UN General Assembly through the biennial resolution entitled Youth, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, unanimously adopted in 2019 and 2021.

In a world fraught with such threats, it is paramount to listen to the voices of young people. Recognizing their agency and potential as catalysts for change, empowering them with the essential skills to navigate these complexities becomes an imperative task.  This is a crucial moment in history where the voices and actions of youth can shape the present and future of global peace and security. However, changing the world needs more than a vision. It needs preparation in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons training programme

In 2023 the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) launched the first phase of the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons training programme (YLF), targeting 100 diverse young people, motivated to use their talents to promote change for a more peaceful and secure world. The blended training programme covers a foundational self-paced training course on key nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues, virtual group discussions, live webinars with disarmament experts as well as skills building workshops.

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) supported the YLF programme by facilitating the delivery of the skills building workshops. To drive meaningful change, youth participants requested learning tailored to strengthening their skills in leadership, negotiation & advocacy and future thinking.

Each session was co-delivered by UNSSC learning specialists – covering key theoretical components of each topic – alongside external young experts. This collaborative approach ensured that youth perspectives and real-life experiences were both valued and strategically integrated into the sessions.