International Day against Nuclear Tests

In an era of heightened nuclear risk, youth engagement is essential to shaping the future of global disarmament. With the support of the Government of Japan, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), through the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF), empowers emerging leaders to engage meaningfully in disarmament policymaking and education. At the 2026 Review Conference, selected YLF participants and alumni will take part in a dedicated side event to present projects inspired by the YLF programme - building on the momentum of the DeclarACTION adopted at the inaugural Youth Leader Conference in Hiroshima in August 2024. The event will showcase the advocacy, ideas, and tangible impact of YLF alumni; foster intergenerational dialogue between youth and high-level stakeholders; promote collaboration on nuclear disarmament policy and education; and highlight the importance of youth inclusion in advancing disarmament and SDG 16, while amplifying the vis...

The second phase of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) has officially begun! Following a high-level launch event at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, the new chapter of this programme kicked off with an informal online gathering, where the new cohort met each other and connected with past YLF participants to hear about their experiences. This marks the start of a four-month online training component, where participants will dive into topics like: The human cost of nuclear weapons, Leadership and negotiation, The UN’s role in nuclear disarmament, Gender, youth and disarmament, Storytelling and journalism. ...And so much more! Stay tuned for more updates from YLF Phase II!