United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) Women in AI Fellowship for Women Diplomats 2026 (Fully Funded in Geneva, Switzerland)

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Application deadline: February 24, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship. The program is designed as a capacity-building intervention that will equip women diplomats with up-to-date knowledge on the policy, legal and technical aspects of AI. Women AI Fellows will acquire the know-how, skills, resources, and networks necessary to effectively participate in multilateral AI discussions in the field of international peace and security.

structure

The Women in AI Fellowship consists of a week of in-person training in Geneva. The fellowship is structured around three main pillars to deliver a comprehensive and effective learning program.

1. education: UNIDIR provides fellows with a substantive introduction to AI technology, including its strengths and limitations. An overview of possible and observed use cases for AI in security applications. International security concerns surrounding AI. Background and current multilateral discussions on AI policy and governance. Insights into the connections between military AI and legal, ethical, and gender considerations. Learning activities will be led by UNIDIR researchers in collaboration with relevant experts and stakeholder organizations.
2. expedition: Apart from lectures, UNIDIR facilitates the exchange of fellows with stakeholders involved in practical applications of AI in technical and academic environments. This will provide fellows with targeted instruction and a deeper understanding of the ecosystem around AI design, development, deployment, and governance.
3. networking: UNIDIR also streamlines Fellows’ engagement with stakeholders, enabling them to build strong connections with the diplomatic community, private sector, and civil society. This will include a) hosting a reception with Geneva’s diplomatic community and b) a series of virtual meetings with a multidisciplinary group of experts working at the intersection of gender, security, and technology. Fellows will also benefit from and be part of the UNIDIR Alumni Network and the UNIDIR Expert Network on Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Sector.

Selection criteria

• This fellowship is aimed at female diplomats and government representatives who:
  • Junior to mid-level
  • I am a representative of the United Nations member states.
  • Have excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English
  • Interested in security, technology, and gender
• Entries will be carefully reviewed by UNIDIR based on the above criteria and applicants will be notified of the results regardless of their selection status.
• The fellowship is provided free of charge. A selected number of participants will be provided with financial support for travel and accommodation to Geneva for the week-long training program. Priority is given to researchers from developing countries for this support.

Application requirements

Delegations of United Nations Member States and international or regional organizations are invited to nominate women diplomats and government representatives for the Fellowship through their respective diplomatic missions. Although multiple nominations are possible from Member States and delegations, UNIDIR will select only one Fellow from each organization to ensure regional diversity.

Please send the following attachments via email. [email protected] The subject line is “2026 UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship Application”:

• Copy of passport;
• Resume no longer than 2 pages.
• Two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be from the applicant’s national government or diplomatic mission to the United Nations.
• A one-page letter of interest that details the applicant’s experience and interests in the area covered by the fellowship and outlines how the knowledge gained during the program will be utilized.

Please ensure that the CC field of your email to UNIDIR includes the applicant’s email address.

important dates

• Tuesday, February 24th – Application submission deadline (midnight Central European Time)
• Mid March – Announcement of selected fellows
• Monday 8th June – Friday 12th June – Face-to-face training in Geneva

For more information:

Visit the official webpage of the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship.