24 May 2022 – 12 August 2022

Global

On 24 May 2018, the United Nations Secretary-General published his Agenda for Disarmament, aiming to set our world on a path towards sustainable peace and security for all. To mark the fourth anniversary of Securing Our Common Future, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is launching the Pitching Peace Youth Music Challenge, inviting young people to express their passion for peace through music.

With financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic ofLogo for Republic of Korea Korea, the #Youth4Disarmament initiative invites young people, aged 13-29, to share what disarmament means to them and their communities by creating their own music.

The original scores should also reflect one of the four pillars of the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament for inspiration:

Disarmament to save humanity,
Disarmament to save lives,
Disarmament for future generations,
Strengthening Partnerships for Disarmament.

The Pitching Peace Youth Music Challenge has been inspired by the uniting and healing power of music that can support efforts for Securing Our Common Future.

Submissions will be judged on musical technique, creativity, innovation, theme, performance, and overall impression. Entries must be original and will be judged in the following age categories; 13-18 (middle & high school), 19 to 24 years (college & graduate school) and 25 to 29 years (early career professionals). A panel of distinguished judges will select three winners from each group.

Winners will receive a token grant, ranging from $500 (first-place), $250 (second-place) and $100 (third-place), and will be invited to perform at a special congratulatory event during the seventy-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly First Committee.

Submissions can be from any genre of music and can be performed in all languages. Entrants are encouraged to perform in their native language and should provide a transcript if lyrics are used.

The challenge will close for submissions on 12 August 2022, International Youth Day, and the winners will be announced on 21 September 2022, International Day of Peace.

Please see the full rules and regulations before submitting your entry.

We are pleased to announce you can now register for the Virtual Youth Forum at CSW66 on 4 and 5 March, 2022.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3BLtqtr

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, with generous financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, invites inspiring young leaders, aged 18-29, from around the world to apply for a newly launched workshop series; “Engaging, Educating and Empowering #Leaders4Tomorrow on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control (D.N.A.) to enact change today.”

The 25 selected #Leaders4Tomorrow will explore the role of young people in advancing Disarmament, Non-proliferation, and arms control (D.N.A.) objectives during five interactive and engaging workshops conducted with UNODA staff, youth speakers and other experts. 

The sessions will explore the relationship between D.N.A. and five relevant topics; (i) the UN Sustainable Development Goals, (ii) new and emerging technologies, (iii) gender, (iv) the environment, and (v) education. The workshops will be held virtually throughout 2022. A tentative schedule is provided below.

Following the completion of the workshop series, the #Leaders4Tomorrow will be invited to take part in a First Committee Side-Event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in October 2022 to present their ideas and recommendations to engage their local communities on issues related to D.N.A.

Travel and accommodation will be provided to participants. Please note travel plans are susceptible to change depending on the global COVID-19 situation.

If unable to attend a specific workshop, participants will be expected to watch a recording of the session and read the materials provided. Participants must attend at least four workshops to receive a certification of completion and the opportunity to participate in the First Committee Side-Event planned for October 2022.  

Tentative Schedule:

1. D.N.A. and Gender on 8 March 2022 on International Women’s Day.
2. D.N.A. and SDGs on 20 April 2022, alongside the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum.
3. D.N.A. and New and Emerging Technologies on 17 May 2022 on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
4. D.N.A. and the Environment on 8 June 2022 on World Oceans Day.
5. D.N.A. and Education on 15 July 2022 on World Youth Skills Day.

#Leaders4Tomorrow will participate and present their ideas at a First Committee Side-Event in October 2022 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. 

Selection criteria for applicants to be #Leaders4Tomorrow:

• Aged between 18-29;

• Proficient in English;

• Demonstrate engagement in youth-led organisations, activities and other opportunities related to disarmament, international peace and security;

• Be interested in international affairs including issues on development, new and emerging technologies, gender, environment, climate change and education;

• Express their motivation for participating and interest in establishing collaborative partnerships to work together for a safer, more peaceful future for all.

The #Leaders4Tomorrow D.N.A. workshop series will strive for gender parity and geographic diversity amongst participants, with applicants from the Global South strongly encouraged.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants must submit both a curriculum vitae (one page) and a short statement of motivation (500 words). Submit your application here.

The deadline for submissions is 11:59pm(EST) on 18 February 2022.

Applications will be carefully screened by staff members of UNODA on the basis of the criteria specified above.

For inquiries, please contact the #Youth4Disarmament Team at youth4disarmament@un.org.

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has launched the Call for Applications for the 5th edition of its Young Peacebuilders programme in Latin America and the Caribbean (2022), aiming to tackle violent extremism by building inclusive societies with understanding and respect among cultural and religious communities.

• Are you between 18 and 25 years old? (Born on or between December 31, 1996, and January 31, 2004)
• Are you a citizen of or currently reside in one of the following countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) AND do you currently live in this region?
• Are you interested in taking part in an intercultural learning experience with other young people from LAC and improving your actions to promote peace?
• Are you part of a youth-led organization, network, or initiative?
• Do you want to increase your ability to contribute to peace and social inclusion in your community, country, and region?
• Are you in the beginning stages of your involvement in this type of work and want to learn more?

If yes, apply now for a chance to be selected for a fully funded participation. Deadline is 15 March 2022 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time (New York).

For more information, visit: https://www.unaoc.org/2022/02/call-for-applications-for-young-peacebuilders-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-2022-edition/

Apply here: https://apply.unaoc.org/young-peacebuilders/