United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent 2023
United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent 2023
The United Nations Fellowship for People of African descent is a highly competitive and prestigious program that aims to promote cultural diversity and foster mutual understanding between different cultures. This program provides an opportunity for individuals of African descent to participate in various cultural activities and events, enhance their leadership skills, and build networks with fellow participants from around the world.
The fellowship is organized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and will take place in 2023. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this fellowship, its objectives, and how it can benefit individuals of African descent who are looking to advance their careers in the fields of human rights, culture, and social justice.
The United Nations has always recognized the need to address social inequalities and promote diversity and inclusion. This is why, in 2023, the UN is launching a Fellowship program for People of African Descent. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for individuals of African descent from across the world to access various educational, economic, and political spheres.
The program will enable participants to hone their leadership skills and empower them to contribute their abilities toward building a world free from discrimination and prejudice. The UN Fellowship for People of African Descent in 2023 is a significant step forward toward achieving racial equality on a global level.
Introduction to the United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent
The United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent is a life-changing opportunity for individuals of African descent to deepen their understanding of human rights and the UN system. The fellowship program includes a three-week intensive training followed by a six-month sponsored traineeship at UNESCO headquarters in Geneva. It aims to build the capacity of the next generation of African change-makers in development research, advocacy, and other fields.
Applicants will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum and learning opportunities offered by the program. This annual fellowship has a rich history of success stories and aims to empower young talent of African descent to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
- Location: The official organization responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Geneva, Switzerland
- The duration: from 13 November to 1st December 2023
1. Dates and Location of the 2023 Fellowship
The Fellowship for People of African Descent will take place from 13 November to 1st December 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. This three-week program is designed to offer qualified candidates the opportunity to develop their skills in Communications and Journalism, International Religious Freedom, Law, and Human Rights, Trafficking in Persons Policy and Prevention, and Sustainable Development.
Aspiring fellows who are no older than 32 years of age and self-identify as a person of African descent or are a national from an African country are eligible to apply. The program will take place just ahead of the next sessions of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, which will take place at the United Nations in New York between 30 May and 10 June 2023. Successful applicants will engage in a series of seminars, workshops, and fieldwork opportunities designed to build their capacity as young professionals in their respective fields.
2. Purpose and Objective of the Fellowship
The purpose and objective of the United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent are to provide intensive human rights training for individuals of African descent, from the diaspora, and to strengthen their skills to contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of people of African descent.
Participants will explore the UN human rights system, its instruments, and mechanisms and deepen their understanding of international human rights law with a specific focus on people of African descent.
The fellowship program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and tools to become advocates for the human rights of people of African descent both locally and globally. Through this program, fellows will have the opportunity to network with experts in the field of human rights and fellow advocates from diverse backgrounds, fostering enduring connections that will continue after the fellowship ends.
3. Curriculum and Learning Opportunities Offered
The United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent in 2023 provides a unique learning experience that seeks to enhance the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of young people of African descent, empowering them to create positive change in their communities.
The curriculum of the fellowship program is varied and immersive, offering a comprehensive series of training workshops, seminars, and lectures that address topics such as human rights, sustainable development, strategic planning, and leadership. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in advocacy initiatives, community outreach programs, and networking events, gaining exposure to diverse cultural perspectives and hands-on experience in creating sustainable change.
The learning opportunities offered by the UN Fellowship for People of African Descent in 2023 are designed to be holistic, impactful, and transformative, equipping young leaders with the necessary tools to drive positive social and economic development in their communities.
4. History of the Fellowship Programme
The United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent has a rich history of providing opportunities for talented individuals to further their skills and knowledge in the pursuit of social change.
Initiated by the United Nations, the Fellowship Programme has evolved over the years to become a highly respected and sought-after program. Since its inception, the program has helped transform the lives of many young African professionals, empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.
The program’s long and proud history serves as a testament to its success in nurturing the talents and capabilities of young Africans, helping them to create a brighter future for themselves and their countries.
The United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent 2023: Eligibility Criteria and Application Deadline
To be eligible for the United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent, applicants must be individuals of African descent living in the diaspora with a minimum of four years of work experience related to human rights. The application deadline for the 2023 fellowship is April 30, 2023. The selection process aims to reflect gender and regional balance among the chosen fellows.
To be eligible for the UN Fellowship, individuals need to meet certain criteria.
- Be a person of African origin residing outside the African continent.
- A minimum of four years of job experience that pertains to the rights of individuals belonging to the African Descent community is required.
- The candidate must provide a letter from an organization that is working towards addressing the concerns of either minority rights or individuals of African descent certifying their current status.
- Applicants are required to be present for the entirety of the program. The chosen fellows will be anticipated to take part in various events and adhere strictly to the program.
Benefits of the Fellowship Programme
The United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent provides a range of benefits to its participants. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to develop an extensive network of contacts within the United Nations system, as well as other international organizations and civil society groups.
This network can be invaluable in terms of career development, research opportunities, and ongoing collaborations after the completion of the fellowship program. In addition, fellows will have access to cutting-edge research and training opportunities, which will allow them to gain valuable skills and knowledge in a wide range of fields related to development, human rights, and peacebuilding.
The fellowship also provides financial support to cover travel, accommodation, and other expenses, ensuring that all participants can focus fully on their learning and growth. With all of these benefits, it is clear that the UN Fellowship for People of African Descent is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to advance their career and make a positive impact in their community and beyond.
In addition, the fellowship program will offer attendees a chance to:
- A round-trip ticket (in the economy class) from the individual’s home country to Geneva.
- basic health insurance;
- During the Programme, a small amount of money will be provided to cover basic living expenses, including accommodation.
- Acquire and deepen their understanding of international human rights law and the United Nations human rights system, the international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, as well as cross-cutting issues with a focus on people of African descent;
- Enhance abilities to create project proposals, give presentations, and provide information to human rights organizations.
- Obtain direct experience with human rights systems.
- Meet with a wide range of actors.
Instructions on How to Submit Your Application for the United Nations Fellowship Program for People of African Descent
Prospective candidates who meet the requirements for this opportunity must send all their application documents in a single email to [email protected]. It is possible to submit applications in either English, French, or Spanish languages.
Read Also: UNFPA Internship Program For Students And New Graduates 2023
Application Documents
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A single document comprising a signed and scanned Application Form in English, French, or Spanish.
- Write a Personal Statement with a maximum of 500 words wherein you will detail your reasons for applying and how you plan to utilize the skills acquired during the fellowship to further the interests and uphold the rights of individuals of African heritage.
- A certified document from the community or organization responsible for the nomination verifying the individual’s status.
- A duplicate of the individual’s passport.
If you send more than five attachments, your submission for the 2023 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent will not be accepted. In the subject header of your email, please indicate that it is an application for this program.
Name the attached document as follows:
- The document format requires the first name to be followed by the last name.
- An application form called “WILLIAMS Jerry – Application form.doc” is available.
- WILLIAMS Jerry – Personal Statement.doc
- The document titled “Letter certifying Status.pdf” belongs to Jerry Williams.
- WILLIAMS Jerry – Passport.pdf
By April 30, 2023, applications need to be submitted for the United Nations Fellowship for People of African Descent. For further information, you can check out the official page.
Other UN Programmes for Young Talent of African Descent
In addition to its Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, the United Nations offers several other programs specifically aimed at the young talent of African descent. These programs provide valuable learning opportunities and networking platforms for young professionals interested in pursuing a career in international development.
The UN Volunteers program, for instance, offers opportunities for young professionals to serve as volunteers in UN agencies and other organizations around the world. Meanwhile, the UN Youth Volunteer program offers young people the chance to work on development projects in their own countries.
The UN Young Professionals Programme is also open to young graduates from underrepresented countries, providing them with a two-year opportunity to gain experience in a UN agency. All of these programs provide valuable opportunities for young professionals of African descent to develop their skills, gain experience and contribute to international development efforts.
