UNIDIR Fellowship
Location: Switzerland
Location: Switzerland
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a significant challenge in governance, particularly in the realm of international security and disarmament. While there is no dedicated UN process for discussing AI in this context, aside from the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, AI is becoming an increasingly important topic within other UN forums on cybersecurity, disarmament, and counter-terrorism.
A recurring issue in international security discussions is the underrepresentation of women. Research from UNIDIR indicates that, on average, only a third of the diplomats in arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament forums are women.
This gender imbalance not only affects participation but also leaves room for overlooking the gendered impacts of weapons and violence. UNIDIR’s research suggests that one way to address this gap is through effective capacity-building in the governance of AI.
To address gender disparities and foster inclusive policymaking, UNIDIR is organising the 2025 edition of the Women in AI Fellowship. This programme is designed as a capacity-building initiative, equipping women diplomats with up-to-date knowledge of AI’s policy, legal, and technical dimensions, including its gendered effects. Fellows will gain the skills, resources, and networks necessary to participate meaningfully in multilateral AI discussions within the context of international peace and security.
Applicants should be junior to mid-career diplomats representing UN Member States.
A strong command of both written and spoken English is essential.
Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in AI and its implications for international security and disarmament.
Interested candidates or their diplomatic missions are invited to submit the following supporting documents by email to sectec-unidir@un.org with the subject “Application for the 2025 UNIDIR Fellowship for Women in AI”:
This initiative is made possible through contributions from UNIDIR core funders and specific donors, including Czechia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, and private sector supporters like Microsoft.
The Women in AI Fellowship offers a week-long, in-person training in Geneva, structured around three main pillars for a comprehensive and effective learning experience:
Education – UNIDIR provides Fellows with an in-depth introduction to AI technology, covering its capabilities and limitations. This includes exploring AI’s use in security applications, the international security concerns it raises, current global discussions on AI policy and governance, and the connection between gender and military AI. The learning sessions are conducted by UNIDIR researchers, with contributions from experts and relevant stakeholder organizations.
Exploration – Beyond lectures, UNIDIR facilitates opportunities for Fellows to interact with stakeholders involved in the practical application of AI across technical and academic fields. These interactions allow Fellows to receive focused briefings and gain insights into the ecosystems of AI design, development, deployment, and governance.
Networking – UNIDIR helps Fellows connect with key stakeholders from the diplomatic community, private sector, and civil society. This includes hosting a reception with Geneva’s diplomatic community and organizing virtual meetings with experts working at the intersection of gender, security, and technology. Fellows also become part of the UNIDIR Expert Network on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain.
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