Aspiring female leaders who are enthusiastic about gender inclusion, global security, and artificial intelligence are now eligible to apply for UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2026. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), an independent UN organization dedicated to evidence-based research in international security and disarmament, is offering this fully supported fellowship. Motivated women from UN member states in their junior to mid-career stages are invited to participate in an intensive, in-person training program that will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 8–12, 2026.
The fellowship is a structured, week-long program centered on education, exploration, and networking with the goal of providing participants with useful skills and policy knowledge to participate in international AI issues pertaining to security and peace. Fellows are not required to pay an application fee and receive complete financial support, including tuition, travel, lodging, and other costs. The deadline for applications for the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is February 24, 2026; more information is given below.
Country: Switzerland
Location: Geneva
Host: UNIDIR
Duration: 1 Week
Dates: June 8 to June 12, 2026
Benefits: Fully Funded
Deadline: 24 February 2026
Advantages:-
- UNIDIR provides full funding for this scholarship, which includes:
- Program that is fully financed (no participation fee)
- Coverage of round-trip airfare to and from Geneva
- Accommodations throughout the dates of the program
- substantial instruction in legal, technical, security, and AI policy
- Activities for exploration, such as lab visits and briefings
- Making connections with stakeholders, experts, and diplomats
- Participation in the UNIDIR Expert Network on AI Governance
- A restricted number of participants are eligible for the aforementioned assistance; those from developing nations will be given precedence.
Eligibility Criteria:-
Those who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- The fellowship is only intended for female applicants.
- Act on behalf of a UN member state
- Outstanding proficiency in both written and spoken English
- Show enthusiasm about gender, technology, and security.
Documents Required:-
A copy of your passport
Current resume is no longer than two pages.
Two letters of recommendation
Letter of interest, one page
Structure of Training;-
The following elements make up a one-week in-person training program in Geneva, Switzerland:
Education: During this stage, fellows will gain knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI), including its advantages and disadvantages in security applications.
Exploration: In addition to lectures, fellows will get the chance to engage with world leaders in AI design and development as well as gain hands-on experience through guided lab visits to the major technical hubs.
Making connections: Make connections with private sector executives, civic society members, and senior leaders.
How to Apply?
- Individual applications are not accepted without an official nomination from a government or diplomatic mission.
- A copy of your passport, a two-page CV, two recommendation letters, and a one-page statement outlining your interest and pertinent experience are all necessary.
- A national government official or a diplomatic representative must provide at least one recommendation letter.
- Your personal email address should be included for direct communication, and all documents must be sent in a single email with the appropriate subject line as stated in the application call.
- Before the specified date in Geneva time, applications must be submitted. Candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted following the review process; late or incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
