Launch of 2021 OSCE-UNODA Scholarship for Peace and Security training programme for young professionals.

The Scholarship for Peace and Security training programme launched on 24 May 2021 with participation by some 150 young professionals from 60 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation. The programme, which was established in 2017, is organized jointly each year by the OSCE in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Vienna.

The 2021 edition comprises an 8-week online course, which will end on 30 July 2021, and an in-person course in Vienna, pending COVID-19 restrictions. It will focus on developing participants’ knowledge of conflict prevention and resolution through arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation in the OSCE area. The interactive online course is also designed to provide a closer look at security-related topic, as well as facilitate networking and provide information on career opportunities.

Each year, the programme places particular emphasis on encouraging the participation of women to contribute to diminishing the gender gap in these fields. In this year’s edition, 131 of the 150 participants are women. 

The programme also encourages its alumni to stay connected within the field. Many of the 300 graduates from previous editions are still engaged in arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation, conflict prevention and resolution, and other fields related to security.