The She Leads for Peace Summer School Geneva 2026 is a two-week, in-person leadership programme designed to empower young women pursuing careers in peace, security, and diplomacy. Hosted in Geneva, the programme offers an immersive experience combining leadership development, practical learning, and global networking.
Delivered by United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the course aims to cultivate the next generation of women leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustaining peace efforts worldwide.
Programme Overview
This summer school is a condensed version of UNITAR’s Women’s Leadership for Peace Programme. It focuses on building self-awareness, leadership capacity, and a strong understanding of the global peace and security landscape.
Participants engage in:
- Self-reflection and leadership development
- Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
- Intergenerational dialogue with experienced leaders
- Exposure to international organisations and practitioners
The programme fosters both personal growth and professional readiness, enabling participants to align their strengths with impactful career pathways.
Key Details
- Location: Geneva
- Dates: 3 August – 14 August 2026
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Delivery Mode: Face-to-face
- Language: English
- Cost: $2,750 (includes tuition, coffee breaks, and lunches)
Note:
- Travel, accommodation, and visa costs are not included
- A visa support letter is provided upon acceptance
Learning Objectives
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Analyse the role of young women in peace leadership
- Define and articulate their personal leadership style
- Develop a structured personal action plan
- Understand the global peace and security ecosystem
- Build lasting professional networks
Programme Structure
The course is structured around three integrated learning tracks:
Track 1: Effective Leadership
This track focuses on personal leadership development and self-awareness.
- Reflect on individual leadership styles
- Challenge traditional gender norms in leadership
- Identify strengths and areas for growth
- Develop actionable leadership plans
Track 2: Experience Sharing
Participants engage with experienced women leaders in peace and security.
- Learn from real-world career journeys
- Understand challenges and opportunities in the field
- Gain insight into diverse career pathways
Track 3: Career Navigation
This track introduces participants to the professional landscape of international organisations.
- Explore institutions within “International Geneva”
- Interact with practitioners and experts
- Identify strategies to overcome early-career challenges
Methodology
The programme uses an experiential and participant-centred learning approach.
- Practical exercises and simulations
- Guided self-reflection sessions
- Peer learning and group discussions
- Exposure to real-world case studies
This methodology supports both behavioural change and skill development, ensuring participants leave with practical tools and a deeper sense of purpose.
Target Audience
The programme is designed for:
- Young self-identifying women
- Students in their final or penultimate year of study
- Early-career professionals (0–3 years of experience)
- Individuals interested in peace, security, and diplomacy
Participants are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in leadership and a commitment to contributing to peacebuilding efforts.
What the Programme Includes
Participants benefit from a comprehensive learning experience, including:
- Expert-led sessions on peace and leadership
- Access to global practitioners and thought leaders
- A personal leadership journal and tailored resources
- Networking opportunities with international peers
- Intergenerational mentorship and dialogue
- Daily refreshments and lunches
Additional Information
- Participants are responsible for:
- Travel arrangements
- Accommodation bookings
- Visa application processes
- Certificates are awarded to participants who attend at least 80% of the course
- No scholarships are currently available
United Nations Institute for Training and Research coordinates all programme logistics and provides support to ensure a smooth learning experience.
Application Process
The programme is application-based, and candidates are selected based on their profile, motivation, and alignment with the programme objectives.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline:
- Deadline: 26 April 2026
Early application is recommended due to competitive selection.
Why Apply
The She Leads for Peace Summer School provides a unique platform for emerging women leaders to:
- Build confidence and leadership identity
- Gain practical insights into peacebuilding careers
- Expand global networks
- Engage with the international policy community
Situated in Geneva, participants benefit from direct exposure to one of the world’s leading centres for diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring for the position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
