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

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship, scheduled to conclude with a deadline on 24 February 2026. This initiative aims to equip women diplomats with comprehensive, up-to-date expertise on the multifaceted policy, legal, and technical dimensions of artificial intelligence. Through this fellowship, participants gain the essential knowledge, competencies, resources, and professional networks necessary to actively and effectively contribute to international discussions on AI within the realms of peace and security.

Program Overview

The Women in AI Fellowship offers an intensive, week-long in-person training session held in Geneva, Switzerland. It is thoughtfully designed around three foundational elements to ensure an all-encompassing and impactful learning experience:

• Education: Participants receive a foundational yet detailed introduction to AI technologies, focusing on their capabilities and limitations. The curriculum covers practical and observed AI applications in security contexts, international security challenges linked to AI, and the ongoing multilateral debates on AI governance and policy frameworks. Moreover, it explores the intersection of military AI use with legal, ethical, and gender-related considerations. These educational sessions are led by UNIDIR researchers in partnership with specialized experts and relevant organizations.
• Exploration: Beyond traditional lectures, the fellowship fosters direct interaction between fellows and key stakeholders actively involved in the technical and academic arenas of AI. These engagements provide participants with targeted briefings and insight into the ecosystems surrounding AI design, development, deployment, and regulatory governance.
• Networking: UNIDIR facilitates meaningful connections by creating opportunities for fellows to engage with influential figures from the diplomatic corps, private sector, and civil society. This includes organizing a formal reception with Geneva’s diplomatic community and arranging a series of virtual discussions involving multidisciplinary experts working at the nexus of gender, security, and technology. Additionally, fellows join the UNIDIR Expert Network on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and become part of the broader UNIDIR Alumni Network, fostering continued collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The fellowship is specifically open to women diplomats and government representatives who meet the following requirements:

• Hold junior to mid-career positions within their respective governments
• Represent UN Member States
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in both written and spoken English
• Possess a keen interest in areas concerning security, technology, and/or gender issues

Applicants will undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by UNIDIR, based on the above criteria. Every applicant will receive notification regarding the outcome of their submission, whether successful or not.

Cost and Financial Support

The fellowship is offered free of charge. Selected participants will receive financial assistance to cover travel and accommodation expenses for the Geneva training week, with priority given to fellows from developing countries. This support ensures equitable access to the program regardless of participants’ geographic or economic background.

Application Process and Required Documents

Nomination of candidates must be made by UN Member States and delegations representing international or regional organizations through their official diplomatic channels. Although multiple candidates may be nominated by a single Member State or delegation, UNIDIR will select only one fellow per entity to promote a diverse regional representation.

Applicants must submit the following documents via email to womeninai@unidir.org with the subject line “2026 UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship Application”:

• A copy of the applicant’s valid passport
• A curriculum vitae not exceeding two pages
• Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from the applicant’s national government or diplomatic mission to the United Nations
• A one-page letter of interest outlining the applicant’s experience relevant to the fellowship themes, along with a description of how they plan to apply the knowledge gained through the program

Please ensure the applicant’s email address is included in the CC field of the submission email to facilitate communication.

Important Dates to Remember

Further Details and Application

For comprehensive information and to apply, prospective candidates and nominators are encouraged to Visit the Official Webpage of the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship.