Model UNCAC Youth COSP and Capacity-Building Workshops for youth from around the world

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Deadline for submission of applications: Friday, 6 February at 12:00 AM (Central European Time)

For young people from around the world (ages 18 to 30)

Are you passionate about integrity, transparency, and using new technologies to make the world fairer? Do you want hands-on experience with international negotiations and the United Nations system?

If you answered “yes”, then this opportunity is for you!

What is the Model UNCAC Youth COSP?

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is inviting young people from around the world to apply for the Model UNCAC Youth Conference of the States Parties (COSP), a dynamic Model United Nations (MUN)–style simulation focused on fighting corruption.

The event will take place in Doha, Qatar, in September 2026 (dates to be confirmed) and will simulate the real Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Participants will:

• Learn how the UN and countries work together to prevent and combat corruption;

• Experience real-world negotiation and diplomacy;

• Build skills for leadership, advocacy, and international cooperation;

• Connect with like-minded young people from across the globe

Capacity-Building Workshops

Before the Model UNCAC Youth COSP, UNODC will organize two identical Capacity-Building Workshops, and selected participants will attend one of them (exact dates to be confirmed):

1. Tuesday, 24 to Thursday, 26 March 2026; or

2. Wednesday, 6 to Friday, 8 May 2026.

These workshops will:

• Strengthen your understanding of corruption and its global impact;

• Explore how new technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support anti-corruption efforts;

• Help you identify corruption risks and ethical challenges; and

• Prepare you to actively participate in the Model UNCAC Youth COSP.

Participants who successfully complete one of the two workshops will be eligible for selection to attend the Model UNCAC Youth COSP. Please note that participation in a workshop does not automatically guarantee selection for the Youth COSP. The final selection rests with UNODC.

Why Technology & AI?

This initiative builds on insights from the 5^th Anti-Corruption Academic Symposium on Challenges and Opportunities for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Anti-Corruption Efforts (Doha, December 2025), which explored how AI and new technologies can strengthen anti-corruption efforts. In addition, some young researchers who contributed to the Academic Symposium may also have the opportunity to present their work, showcasing how innovation can help promote integrity worldwide.

Who Can Apply and How?

Before applying, make sure you meet the following requirements:

Minimum Requirements (mandatory)

• Age: Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. The age of applicants will be verified through a passport copy, and this criterion will be strictly enforced.

• Language: Fluent in English. All activities will be conducted in English, with no interpretation available.

• Motivation Letter: Submitted via the Form, the motivation letter should be a maximum of 500 words). Motivation letters longer than 500 words will not be considered.

  
  

Additional considerations (not mandatory, but helpful)

• Previous experience with Model United Nations or similar simulation exercises

• Interest or background in:

  • United Nations work;

  • Anti-corruption; and/or

  • Technology, digital governance or AI.

UNODC is committed to ensuring regional diversity and gender balance in the final selection.

Application Form

To apply please use the following form: Application Form - Model UNCAC Youth COSP and Capacity-Building Workshops

Important note

• Only applications submitted through the official application form will be considered;

• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted;

• Incomplete applications or missing documents may lead to disqualification.

We strongly encourage you to apply early and ensure your Motivation Letter (max. 500 words) is ready before starting the form.

Be the generation that champions integrity

This is more than a simulation but also a chance to grow as a global citizen, build practical skills for your future career and to be part of the international fight against corruption.

If you are ready to learn, engage and lead, then we encourage you to apply!