UNITAR She Leads for Peace Summer School Geneva 2026 in Switzerland

Applications are now open for the prestigious She Leads for Peace Summer School Geneva 2026 in Switzerland, organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The two-week international leadership program is designed for young women who are passionate about peacebuilding, diplomacy, leadership, and international cooperation.

The summer school will take place in Geneva, one of the world’s major centers for diplomacy and international organizations. Participants will engage in experiential learning, leadership development, networking opportunities, and interactions with women leaders working in peace and security sectors.

Program Details

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Location: Geneva
• Organizer: United Nations Institute for Training and Research
• Program Name: She Leads for Peace Summer School Geneva 2026
• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Program Dates: 3 August – 14 August 2026
• Application Deadline: 7 June 2026
• Mode of Delivery: In-Person
• Language: English

About the Program

The She Leads for Peace Summer School is a condensed version of UNITAR’s Women’s Leadership for Peace Programme. It is specifically designed to support young self-identifying women who are transitioning from academic life into professional careers in peace and security fields.

The program focuses on:

• Leadership development
• Self-awareness and authentic leadership
• Peacebuilding and diplomacy
• Career guidance in international organizations
• Women’s leadership in peace and security
• Building international professional networks

Program Structure

The curriculum is divided into three main tracks:

1. Effective Leadership

Participants will explore:

• Leadership styles
• Gender and leadership
• Self-reflection and personal growth
• Leadership action planning

2. Experience Sharing with Women Leaders

The program includes interactions with women professionals and peacebuilders working in:

• United Nations agencies
• International NGOs
• Humanitarian organizations
• Peace and diplomacy sectors

3. Career Development and International Geneva

Participants will gain insights into:

• Careers in international organizations
• The peace and security ecosystem
• International Geneva institutions
• Early-career challenges and opportunities

Program Benefits

Participants will receive:

• Training from international experts in peace and diplomacy
• Networking opportunities with women leaders
• Leadership development workshops
• Tailored learning resources and leadership journals
• Access to an international network of emerging women leaders
• Coffee breaks and lunches during course days
• Official UNITAR certificate upon successful completion

Financial Information

The participation fee for the program is:

• USD 2,750

The fee includes:

• Course participation
• Workshops and sessions
• Learning materials
• Lunches and coffee breaks

However, participants are responsible for:

• Airfare
• Accommodation
• Visa expenses
• Personal costs

UNITAR currently does not offer scholarships for this program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be young self-identifying women
• Be in their second-to-last or final year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies
• Have approximately 0–3 years of professional experience
• Demonstrate strong interest in peace, security, diplomacy, and leadership
• Possess good English communication skills

The program welcomes participants from different countries and academic backgrounds.

Why Attend This Summer School?

The She Leads for Peace Summer School provides a unique opportunity to:

• Build leadership confidence
• Explore careers in international peace and diplomacy
• Connect with global women leaders
• Experience the international environment of Geneva
• Develop practical leadership and peacebuilding skills

The initiative also supports global efforts related to:

• Gender Equality (SDG 5)
• Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official UNITAR event portal before the deadline. Shortlisted participants will receive further guidance regarding travel, accommodation, and visa support letters if needed.