Overview

“Youth are essential to identifying new solutions that will secure the breakthroughs that our world urgently needs” – António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, 2024.

Our world is home to 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 to 24 — the largest generation of youth in history.

Historically, new generation experts have proven their power time and again for the cause of disarmament. Young campaigners have worked at the forefront of successful international campaigns to ban landmines, cluster munitions and nuclear weapons. Every member of the staff of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons was under the age of 35 when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. It is imperative to listen, engage and work with the next generation in discussions on disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control issues to develop new strategies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms, including their proliferation.

This course offered as part of the “Sci-fAI Futures Youth Challenge”– made possible with financial support from the Republic of Korea – introduces the important and positive contribution that young people can make in sustaining peace and security, with examples of how youth can participate and contribute to disarmament efforts.

Each module defines disarmament and places it in the broader United Nations system, highlighting its importance and main objectives, as well as examines the role of youth in disarmament and non-proliferation processes. It outlines the approach of the United Nations to youth engagement, and provides an insight into UNODA’s efforts to empower young people, with an overview on key organizations, (1) within the United Nations Disarmament Machinery, (2) within the broader United Nations system, and (3) outside of that system. The course includes an evaluation module for participants to share feedback and insights to develop the course or suggest additional topics to be included.

The course is open to all interested in the meaningful and effective engagement of young people. Participants will also receive insights on strengthening capacity to engage youth and benefit from their views, insights, and ideas.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• the significant role that young people around the world play in advancing disarmament goals;
• United Nations’ role in engaging youth;
• UNODA’s efforts in empowering youth through dedicated initiatives;
• the significant accomplishments of youth advocates in the field of disarmament; and
• the wide range of ways to contribute to promoting disarmament through UNODA, youth groups and local initiatives.

	Audience: The course is open to all interested audiences.
	Components and Methodology: Each module takes approximately 20 minutes and can be completed at the learner’s own pace The course consists of two thematic modules: Introduction to Disarmament: Machinery, Processes and the Role of the United Nations Youth and Disarmament The course is available in English and is held in the Disarmament Education Dashboard, thus participants need a computer or mobile device, with audio and reliable internet connection. No special software is required.
	Certificate: Upon successful completion of thematic modules, including examination and course evaluation a certificate of completion will automatically be issued to the participant.

Short-course Series

The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Short Course Series aims at making available quality education material on disarmament, arms control, non-proliferation and issues cross-cutting with security, such as gender and development. The courses are targeted for and available to the general public at UNODA’S globally accessible e-Learning platform disarmamenteducation.org.

In line with the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament this short-course series aims to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.