UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026: Fully Funded Youth Scholarship in Geneva

The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme 2026 is offering up to 8 fully funded scholarships for young people, students, recent graduates and early-career professionals to participate in a unique international programme in Geneva, Switzerland.

The programme is organized by the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Selected participants will also have opportunities to engage with the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1).

UN Chemicals and Waste Study Programme 2026 – Quick Facts

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Study Programme: 9–13 November 2026
• GFC IC-1 opportunities: 14–20 November 2026
• Scholarships: Up to 8
• Age: 18–35 years
• Funding: Fully funded
• Deadline: 11 September 2026, 23:59 UTC

Scholarship Benefits

Selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Round-trip economy-class flight tickets
• Hotel accommodation
• Study Programme fees
• Reimbursement of eligible meals
• Visa fees
• Local transportation costs against approved receipts

Participants will also receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be 18–35 years old at the time of application.
• Be from a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC), Least Developed Country (LDC), Small Island Developing State (SIDS), or be a representative of Indigenous Peoples.
• Be available to stay in Geneva from 8–20 November 2026.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in chemicals and waste management, environmental health or related fields.
• Commit to sharing knowledge and contributing to follow-up activities in their communities or networks.

The selection team particularly values personal, detailed and authentic applications. AI-generated or copied responses are not permitted.

What Will Participants Learn?

The programme will provide practical exposure to international environmental governance through:

• Expert lectures and technical workshops
• Visits to Geneva-based institutions
• Hazardous waste management facility visits
• UN career and recruitment sessions
• The Pollution Solutions Lab, a collaborative innovation and project-design session

Participants may also engage in youth activities and international negotiations connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals.

Why Apply?

This is a valuable opportunity for young environmental leaders to gain first-hand experience with UN processes, international chemicals and waste policy, environmental governance and youth participation while connecting with experts and youth representatives from around the world.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants must complete the official scholarship application form and submit it before the deadline.

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Successful applicants will be contacted by 19 September 2026.