The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), in collaboration with the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), is offering its flagship programme “Realizing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda” in 2026. This comprehensive online learning experience equips practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to meaningfully engage young people in peace and security efforts. The course runs from 13 April to 30 October 2026, with enrollment open until 10 April 2026.
About the UNSSC Course
Young people are increasingly recognised as agents of positive change in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and the promotion of just and inclusive societies. UN Security Council Resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018), and 2535 (2020) emphasize the need for youth participation, leadership, and influence in peace and security initiatives at local, national, and global levels.
This course provides participants with a structured pathway to understand the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and to apply it effectively within their own organizations, programmes, and communities. It is designed for practitioners across the UN system, NGOs, civil society, regional bodies, and security institutions working in youth engagement or peacebuilding contexts.
Course Format and Structure
The programme is delivered fully online and is divided into two distinct learning phases:
Part I – Foundational Skills (13 April to 22 May 2026)
Participants will complete three core modules that introduce the YPS agenda and explore the foundations of youth participation and conflict analysis.
Modules include:
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Introduction to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda
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Enabling Meaningful Youth Participation
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Conducting Youth-Sensitive Conflict Analysis
This phase includes one mandatory written assignment.
Part II – Applied Skills (14 September to 30 October 2026)
Participants will select at least one of the three applied modules, each designed to translate YPS principles into practice.
Elective modules include:
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Serving as a YPS Adviser or Focal Point
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Youth-Responsive and YPS-Focused Programming
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In-Country Implementation of the YPS Agenda
This second phase includes at least one written assignment.
Across both parts, learners can expect approximately 3–4 hours of weekly study. The programme also includes facilitated webinars, peer exchanges, interactive activities, and ongoing guidance from UNSSC trainers.
What Participants Gain
By completing the course, participants will:
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Develop a strong understanding of youth roles in peace and security systems
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Strengthen their ability to design and implement youth-responsive initiatives
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Learn how to integrate youth perspectives into conflict analysis and programming
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Enhance their competency in supporting youth-led peacebuilding efforts
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Engage in a global peer network of practitioners committed to the YPS agenda
The course fosters both theoretical grounding and practical skills, preparing participants to champion youth participation in decision-making processes.
Target Audience
The programme is open to:
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UN staff members
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Practitioners in international and regional organisations
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NGO and civil society representatives
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Peacebuilding professionals working directly with youth
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Anyone seeking structured training in the YPS agenda
This course is suitable for participants at all levels of experience, and no prior specialization is required.
Cost and Selection Criteria
The course fee is 1,250 USD, covering access to all modules, live sessions, materials, and individualized support.
Selection is based on motivation, relevant experience, commitment to the agenda, and diversity factors such as regional representation, gender balance, and sector background. UN staff applicants must include a supervisor endorsement.
Important Dates
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Course Dates: 13 April – 30 October 2026
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Part I: 13 April – 22 May 2026
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Part II: 14 September – 30 October 2026
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Enrollment Deadline: 10 April 2026
Application can be accessed from here.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
