The UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program 2026 is an exciting fully funded opportunity for young people, students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals interested in chemicals, waste management, environmental protection, and related fields. The program will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 9 to 13 November 2026, with participants also taking part in youth engagement activities connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1) from 14 to 20 November 2026.
Organized by the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the program will provide selected participants with an opportunity to learn directly from experts, visit international institutions, connect with policymakers and youth delegates, and explore career opportunities within the United Nations system.
Up to 8 fully funded scholarships are available for eligible applicants. The funding package covers major travel and participation expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, visa fees, and local transportation.
UN Chemicals and Waste Management Program 2026 – Quick Facts
- Host Country: Switzerland
- City: Geneva
- Program Dates: 9–13 November 2026
- Additional GFC IC-1 Activities: 14–20 November 2026
- Required Travel Period: 8–20 November 2026
- Duration: Approximately 13 days including related youth activities
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Number of Scholarships: Up to 8
- Eligible Age: 18–35 years
- Application Deadline: 11 September 2026
About the UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program
The UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program is designed to give young participants practical exposure to international chemicals and waste management processes.
Participants will learn how chemicals and waste-related challenges are addressed within the UN system and will have opportunities to engage with experts, policymakers, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.
The program also includes technical workshops, institutional visits, career sessions, and practical activities focused on developing solutions to pollution-related challenges.
A major component of the program is the Pollution Solutions Lab, where participants can work collaboratively on practical approaches to chemicals, waste, and pollution challenges.
Financial Benefits
The UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program is a fully funded opportunity for selected participants.
The travel grant is expected to cover:
- Economy-class round-trip international airfare.
- Hotel accommodation in Geneva.
- Study Program participation fees.
- Reimbursement of eligible meals.
- Reimbursement of visa fees.
- Reimbursement of transportation costs.
- UNITAR Certificate of Completion.
- Participation in youth activities connected to the GFC IC-1.
This funding makes the program accessible to eligible young participants who may otherwise find international travel and participation costs difficult to afford.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the program's eligibility requirements to be considered for the fully funded opportunity.
To apply, candidates should:
- Be 18 to 35 years old at the time of application.
- Be from a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC), Least Developed Country (LDC), or Small Island Developing State (SIDS), or be a representative of Indigenous Peoples.
- Be available to travel to Geneva and remain there from 8 to 20 November 2026.
- Commit to participating in the full Study Program.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
- Demonstrate genuine motivation and relevant interest, work, studies, or experience related to chemicals and waste management, environmental health, pollution, or related areas.
Applicants should carefully review the official application requirements before submitting their forms.
What Will Participants Experience?
The program offers participants a combination of learning, networking, practical activities, and exposure to international organizations.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to:
Attend Expert Lectures and Technical Workshops
Participants will take part in expert-led lectures and technical workshops covering important issues related to chemicals and waste management.
Learn About UN Processes
The program provides insight into how chemicals and waste issues are addressed through international cooperation and within the United Nations system.
Visit Geneva-Based Institutions
Participants will have opportunities to visit important institutions in Geneva, including the Palais des Nations, and gain first-hand exposure to international organizations and diplomatic environments.
Visit a Hazardous Waste Management Facility
The program includes a visit to a hazardous waste management facility, giving participants practical insight into how waste-related challenges are handled.
Explore UN Career Opportunities
Career sessions will introduce participants to potential pathways into UN internships, entry-level positions, and other international opportunities.
Participate in the Pollution Solutions Lab
The Pollution Solutions Lab will provide a collaborative environment where participants can develop and explore practical solutions to pollution and chemicals-related challenges.
Network With International Stakeholders
Participants will have opportunities to interact with youth delegates, government representatives, experts, and other stakeholders working on chemicals and waste issues.
Participate in the Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste
The program also provides opportunities to participate in youth-focused discussions surrounding chemicals and waste management and contribute to international dialogue.
Why Apply for the UN Chemicals and Waste Program?
This program can be particularly valuable for students and young professionals interested in environmental science, sustainability, public health, chemical safety, waste management, international development, climate action, and global policymaking.
Beyond the financial support, participants can gain international experience, develop professional networks, learn about UN processes, and receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.
The opportunity can also help participants better understand how international organizations collaborate with governments, civil society, experts, and young people to address global environmental challenges.
Required Travel Period
Applicants should be able to commit to the complete required travel period.
- Arrival/Travel: 8 November 2026
- Study Program: 9–13 November 2026
- GFC IC-1 Youth Engagement Activities: 14–20 November 2026
- End of Required Period: 20 November 2026
Therefore, applicants should ensure they are available for the full period before applying.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program 2026 is:
11 September 2026
Interested applicants should complete and submit their applications before the deadline. Because only up to 8 fully funded scholarships are available, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
How to Apply for the UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply online by completing the official application form.
Applicants should provide accurate information and clearly explain their motivation, relevant experience, studies, work, or interests in chemicals and waste management, environmental health, pollution, or related fields.
Final Thoughts
The UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program 2026 in Switzerland is a valuable fully funded opportunity for young people who want to gain international experience and contribute to discussions about chemicals, waste, pollution, and environmental health.
With funding for airfare, accommodation, meals, visa fees, and transportation, selected participants can attend the program in Geneva while gaining exposure to UN processes, technical experts, international stakeholders, and potential career pathways.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have a genuine interest in chemicals and waste management or related environmental issues, consider applying before the 11 September 2026 deadline.
