UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program 2026 in Switzerland

Are you interested in environmental sustainability, chemicals management, waste management, or environmental health? A fully funded opportunity is available for young professionals, students, recent graduates, and other emerging leaders to participate in the UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Organized by the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the program offers selected participants the opportunity to learn directly from experts, visit international institutions, participate in technical workshops, and engage with global discussions on chemicals and waste management.

The main study program will take place from 9 to 13 November 2026 in Geneva. Selected participants will also have the opportunity to take part in youth activities connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1) from 14 to 20 November 2026.

Up to 8 fully funded participants will be selected.

UN Chemicals and Waste Management Program 2026 — Quick Details

Host Country: Switzerland
City: Geneva
Organizers: CWYP and UNITAR
Program Dates: 9–13 November 2026
Additional GFC IC-1 Activities: 14–20 November 2026
Required Travel Period: 8–20 November 2026
Funding: Fully Funded
Number of Scholarships: Up to 8
Age Requirement: 18–35 years
Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

About the Program

The UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Program is designed to expose young people to international approaches to managing chemicals and waste and addressing related environmental and health challenges.

Participants will learn how chemicals and waste issues are addressed through international cooperation and the United Nations system. The program combines expert discussions, technical sessions, institutional visits, practical activities, and opportunities to connect with other young people working on environmental issues.

A key component is the Pollution Solutions Lab, where participants can explore practical approaches to addressing pollution-related challenges.

What Is Fully Funded?

Selected participants will receive a travel grant covering the major costs associated with attending the program in Geneva.

The funding includes:

Economy-class round-trip airfare
Hotel accommodation
Study Program fees
Reimbursement of meals
Reimbursement of visa fees
Reimbursement of transportation expenses
UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Participation in youth activities connected to GFC IC-1

This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for eligible applicants who may otherwise find international travel and participation costs difficult to afford.

What Will Participants Do?

During the program, participants will have opportunities to:

Attend lectures led by experts in chemicals and waste management.
Participate in technical workshops and practical sessions.
Learn how chemicals and waste challenges are addressed within the UN system.
Visit Geneva-based international institutions, including the Palais des Nations.
Visit a hazardous waste management facility.
Learn about career opportunities within the United Nations system.
Explore UN internship and entry-level career pathways.
Participate in the Pollution Solutions Lab.
Meet and interact with youth delegates, country representatives, experts, and other stakeholders.
Take part in the Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste.
Participate in activities related to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference.

Who Can Apply?

The program is aimed at young people with an interest or background in chemicals and waste management, environmental health, sustainability, or related areas.

Applicants must:

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 program.
Submit the application before the deadline.
Demonstrate genuine interest, motivation, experience, or relevant work related to chemicals and waste management, environmental health, or a related field.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for:

University students
Recent graduates
Young professionals
Environmental advocates
Researchers
Sustainability enthusiasts
Youth leaders
People working in chemicals or waste management
Applicants interested in environmental health
Young people interested in UN careers and international development

Your background does not necessarily have to be limited to one specific academic discipline, but you should be able to demonstrate a genuine connection to the themes of the program.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents: