UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship(Fully-funded)

Empowering Women in AI: Apply Now for the Fully-Funded UNIDIR Fellowship

Table of Content

Overview of UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship
Fellowship Structure
Selection Criteria
Application Process and Key Dates
Support and Sponsors
Why Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?

The UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2025 offers a transformative experience for women diplomats to gain in-depth knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI) and its intersection with international security, gender, and governance. With underrepresentation of women in international security forums, this initiative addresses gender inequality and equips participants with tools to influence multilateral discussions.

Why the Fellowship Matters

AI has become a significant topic in global policy discussions, including international security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. However, forums like arms control and disarmament often lack equitable representation, with only about one-third of participants being women. This imbalance limits inclusivity and overlooks gender-specific impacts of technology and violence.

The UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship aims to bridge this gap by empowering women diplomats with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in AI governance. Fellows will contribute to a more inclusive and effective policymaking process on issues like military AI, security applications, and gendered implications of AI technology.

Fellowship Structure

The week-long in-person training in Geneva is designed around three key pillars:

1. Education

Technical Foundations: Learn the basics of AI, including its strengths, limitations, and potential use in security applications.
Policy Insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of current multilateral AI discussions and governance.
Gender Perspectives: Explore the links between AI, gender, and international security.

2. Exploration

Participate in targeted briefings with academic and technical stakeholders.
Understand the ecosystems behind AI design, development, and deployment.

3. Networking

Connect with diplomats, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives during curated events.
Join the UNIDIR Expert Network on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain for ongoing engagement.

Selection Criteria

The Fellowship is open to women diplomats who:

Are at a junior to mid-career level.
Represent UN Member States.
Have a strong command of written and spoken English.
Demonstrate interest in security, technology, and/or gender.

Sponsorship Priority: UNIDIR will fully sponsor 10 Fellows, prioritizing candidates from developing countries. The remaining Fellows must cover expenses themselves or through their sponsoring organizations.

Application Process

Submit the following documents via email to sectec-unidir@un.org with the subject line “2025 UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship Application”:

A copy of your passport.
A two-page curriculum vitae.
Two recommendation letters (one from your national government or UN diplomatic representation).
A one-page letter of interest outlining your experience and how you plan to apply the Fellowship’s learnings.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 3 February 2025 (midnight, Geneva time).
Fellowship Announcement: Monday, 17 February 2025
Training Dates: Monday, 7 April – Friday, 11 April 2025

Support and Sponsors

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.

Why Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?

This Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to:

Enhance Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in AI and its implications on security and gender.
Network Globally: Build lasting connections with experts, policymakers, and other diplomats.
Drive Change: Influence the global conversation on AI governance and promote gender inclusivity in policy discussions.

Take the next step in your diplomatic career and be a part of shaping the future of AI governance with the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship 2025!

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply