Apply for UNITAR Youth Ambassador Asia Pacific Program 2026

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 to train young diplomats from newly independent UN Member States to operate effectively in the diplomatic environment.

Applications are now open for the UNITAR Youth Ambassador Asia-Pacific Programme 2026, jointly organized by UNITAR and ITS Education Asia. This 6-week online training, running from October 17 to November 21, 2026, is designed to empower young people across the Asia-Pacific region with the theme “Future Skills for Grassroots Leadership.”

The programme will strengthen participants’ understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhance entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and guide them in designing local solutions to global challenges. Each participant will develop and present a capstone project intended to create a positive community impact.

Delivered in English over eight consecutive Saturdays, the sessions will culminate in a virtual graduation ceremony. Selected youth will have the opportunity to learn directly from UNITAR experts, mentors, and guest speakers, while building networks with like-minded changemakers from across the region.

Brief Details

• Organizer: The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
• Format: Online and in-person
• Program Dates: October 17 to November 21, 2026
• Program Duration: 6 weeks
• Application Deadline: 3 October 2026, 6 p.m. HKT (UTC +8)
• Eligible Nations: Asia Pacific Countries (Afghanistan included)
• Program Theme: Future Skills for Grassroots Leadership
• Programme Cost: USD 900

Benefits of The Program

The UNITAR Youth Ambassador Asia Pacific program initiative will help Youth Ambassadors gain expertise in:

• Critical analysis.
• Innovation.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Communication
• Leadership.
• Participants will gain a deeper understanding of best practices for the SDGs and worldwide trends in social entrepreneurship after completing the program.
• They will become a part of an Asia-Pacific network of professionals and like-minded peers, working together to create novel responses to pressing societal and global problems.

Program schedule:

The programme sessions will be on the following Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. JST (UTC +9).

• 17 October: Welcome, introduction to the UN/SDGs
• 24 October: Workshop on identifying issues in the SDGs context and problem framing/ideation
• 31 October: Workshop on teambuilding and intercultural communication 
• 7 November: Interactive session on leadership in SDGs and session brainstorming
• 14 November: Tips on how to present and apply lessons learned from the programme back at community
• 21 November: Graduation day and final presentations on community outreach

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

• Applicants must be residing in the Asia-Pacific region
• Be between the ages of 18 -30 born between  January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2007
• Have impactful local community work experience
• Have good research skills and knowledge of sustainability
• Be determined to complete the program
• Commit to serving three hours for each program session
• Possess strong written and spoken English abilities.
• A recommendation from a referee, such as a school teacher, professor, or another appropriate figure.

How to Apply for the UNITAR Youth Ambassador Asia Pacific Programme?

To apply for UNITAR Youth Ambassador Asia Pacific program, go to the following link and sign up or create your account, fill the application form and submit:

Apply Now

For more information, please visit UNITAR’s official website.

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