To redress gender inequalities and promote inclusive and effective policymaking, UNIDIR is convening the 2026 edition of the Women in AI Fellowship, a capacity-building programme for women diplomats working at the intersection of technology, policy, and international security.
The fellowship is designed to equip participants with up-to-date knowledge of the policy, legal, and technical dimensions of artificial intelligence, while strengthening their ability to engage in multilateral discussions on AI in the context of international peace and security.
Women in AI Fellows acquire the knowhow, skills, resources and networks required to engage effectively in multilateral AI discussion in the field of international peace and security. The 2026 fellowship will take place as a week-long, in-person training programme in Geneva, bringing together selected women diplomats and government representatives from UN Member States.
The programme is structured around three learning pillars that are intended to deliver a balanced and practical experience. Education introduces fellows to how AI works, its strengths and limits, current and emerging security use cases, and the international policy debates around AI governance, including links to law, ethics, military use, and gender perspectives. Exploration allows participants to interact directly with experts and institutions applying AI in technical and academic settings, helping them better understand how AI systems are designed, deployed, and governed in real environments. Networking focuses on building lasting professional connections through engagements with the diplomatic community, private sector actors, and civil society, including a Geneva-based diplomatic reception, virtual meetings with multi-sector experts, and integration into the UNIDIR Alumni Network and the UNIDIR Expert Network on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain.
The fellowship is open to women diplomats and government representatives who are junior to mid-career level, represent UN Member States, have strong written and spoken English skills, and show interest in security, technology, and or gender issues. Applications will be carefully screened based on these criteria, and all applicants will be informed of their outcome.
The programme is delivered free of charge. Limited financial support for travel and accommodation in Geneva will be available, with priority given to fellows from developing countries.
UN Member States and delegations of international or regional organizations are invited to nominate candidates through their diplomatic representations. While multiple nominations are allowed, only one fellow per entity will be selected to ensure regional diversity, and individual applications will not be accepted.
Required documents include a passport copy, a two-page CV, two recommendation letters, and a one-page letter of interest sent to sectec-unidir@un.org.
To apply, applications must be submitted by Tuesday, 24 February, with selected fellows announced in mid-March.
