UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded

UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is now open for aspiring women leaders who are passionate about artificial intelligence, global security, and gender inclusion. This fully funded fellowship is offered by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), an autonomous UN body focused on evidence-based research in international security and disarmament. The program invites motivated women at the junior to mid-career level from UN member states to take part in an intensive, in-person training program held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 8–12 June 2026.

The fellowship is a structured, week-long experience built around education, exploration, and networking, aiming to equip participants with practical skills and policy insight to engage in global AI discussions related to peace and security. Fellows receive full financial support, including tuition, travel, accommodation, and related expenses, with no application fee required. Applications for the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2026 must be submitted by 24 February 2026, and further details are provided below.

Benefits

It’s a fully funded fellowship, UNIDIR covers:

• Fully funded program (no participation fee)
• Round-trip airfare coverage to and from Geneva
• Accommodation during the program dates
• Substantive training on AI policy, legal, technical, and security topics
• Exploration activities including briefings and lab visits
• Networking with diplomats, experts, and stakeholders
• Membership in UNIDIR Expert Network on AI governance

The above support is available for a limited number of participants; preference will be given to individuals from developing countries

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals fulfilling the following requirements are invited to apply:

• The fellowship is exclusively designed for women
• Represent a UN Member state
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken
• Demonstrate passion in technology, security, and gender

Required Documents

• Passport copy
• Current CV not exceeding two pages
• Two recommendation letters
• One-page letter of interest

Training Structure

A one-week-long in-person training in Geneva, Switzerland, consists ofthe  following components:

• Education: In this phase, fellows will learn about the AI technology, its strengths and limitations in secutiry applications
• Exploration: Apart from lectures, in this phase, fellows will have practical immersion through guided lab visits to the main technical hubs and have the opportunity to interact with global leaders involved in designing and developing AI
• Networking: Connect with senior leaders, civic society members, and private sector leaders.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: February 24th, 2026
• Result Announcement: March 2026
• Fellowship Dates: June 8 – 12, 2026

How to Apply?

• Applications must be submitted through an official nomination by a government or diplomatic mission; individual applications are not accepted without nomination.
• Prepare the required documents, including a copy of your passport, a CV of no more than two pages, two recommendation letters, and a one-page letter explaining your interest and relevant experience.
• At least one recommendation letter must come from a national government authority or diplomatic representation.
• All documents must be sent together in a single email, using the correct subject line as specified in the application call, and your personal email address should be included for direct contact.
• Applications must be submitted before the stated deadline in Geneva time. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is a fully supported, week-long training in Geneva for women diplomats and government representatives to build skills in AI policy, governance, and security, with applications due by 24 February 2026.