Quaker United Nations Summer School

Applications to Quaker United Nations Summer School 2025 are no longer open.

Translations of the programme information listed on this webpage are available for download in Arabic, Spanish, French, and German here. 

The Quaker United Nations Summer School 2025 (QUNSS 2025) provides the opportunity for young people to come together virtually  to learn about addressing global issues through the international system.

QUNSS 2025 will help participants develop the professional skills and background needed to create meaningful change through United Nations (UN) processes and multilateralism. Participants will leave the programme with a deeper understanding of QUNO’s work, how the UN system operates, practical skills in advocacy and coalition-building, and insights from professionals working within multilateralism.

QUNSS 2025 offers young changemakers a virtual summer intensive online, via Zoom.

As a summer school designed to further the professional and personal development of young people passionate about contributing towards peace and justice, QUNSS 2025 is looking for motivated, curiosity-driven individuals from around the world who are eager to learn about international solidarity movements, coalition-building and UN engagement from a civil society perspective. 

Over the course of two weeks, QUNSS 2025 will bring together a diverse group of individuals  driven by a desire to deepen their understanding about strategies for meaningful change within multilateralism. Specifically, QUNSS 2025 will provide a space for young changemakers from across the globe to learn about building sustained coalitions, movements and momentum for rectifying injustices. 


QUNSS 2025 will embed Quaker approaches to peacebuilding and advocacy throughout the course. Skills-building sessions will focus on strategic advocacy, diplomacy, and engagement in multilateral spaces, equipping participants with practical tools to navigate international policymaking. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about QUNO's work at the UN and how faith and values-based quiet diplomacy works in practice. Throughout the summer intensive, participants will have the opportunity to engage with diplomats, UN officials and other actors active in multilateralism.

 

Practical details

The Quaker United Nations Summer School 2025 will take place entirely online via Zoom from 7- 18 July 2025. 

Four hour sessions will be held Monday-Friday from 14:00 CET to 18:00 Central European Time (CET).

We encourage selected participants  to pay for the programme as they feel led and are able. A suggested amount of 200CHF reflects the costs associated with summer school logistics and supports those who require financial support to attend. We ask that you contribute the amount that you feel led to pay, recognizing that by using a sliding scale we uphold different financial abilities and take into account diverse circumstances and backgrounds of participants. We request that individuals with greater access to resources pay at a higher rate while strongly maintaining that cost should not be a barrier for anyone. QUNSS is a not-for-profit programme and participant payments will help cover the costs required for other attendees to participate. 

Due to the virtual nature of the programme, a working device that has the capability to reliably make video calls will be required to ensure meaningful participation, as is a consistent and reliable wifi connection. If you require technical assistance or support to pay for a data plan or local transportation to a location with a stable wireless connection, for example, please reach out and we will do our best to provide guidance, support and/or limited financial assistance. We do not want any such circumstances to present a barrier to participation. 

We expect applicants to fully participate in the entirety of the two week programme. This is a requirement as we want all involved to make the most of the learning experience and respect the commitments of QUNO staff and fellow participants. That said, we acknowledge the different costs and considerations associated with attendance and participation, including those caused by differences in currency and cost of living, caregiving obligations, and the costs of taking time away from work or studies. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Upon completion of the summer school, you will receive a certificate from QUNO recognising your participation.

 

The Programme

The QUNSS 2025 programme is designed for a virtual format and will focus on building community and essential skills for young changemakers. While selected participants will receive a more detailed programme outline, participants can expect their days to include:

  • knowledge sessions led by QUNO staff on engagement with the UN-system
  • skills-building workshops led by experienced professionals, facilitators, and changemakers

Sprinkled throughout the two weeks will be an opportunity to engage with and learn from various actors working within the international multilateral system.

QUNSS has been held online in the past and participants shared their gratitude for the opportunity to form community and learn together with those across the globe in an accessible space. As one participant from online QUNSS 2022 reflected:

“I have left knowing more about multilateralism, development, and peace/conflict than I did when I first started… This course has opened up new ideas for me about what service I want to give to others. And of course, I appreciate having the opportunity to meet new people that I want to stay in touch with for the long run.”

 

Who should apply?

QUNSS seeks to be inclusive for all. We welcome and encourage applicants of all nationalities, ethnicities, disabilities, faith or non-faith backgrounds, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If you have concerns about accessibility of any kind, please contact us at qunss@quno.ch.

Participants generally range in age from 20 to 26, though there is some flexibility on this depending on applicant background and circumstances. No formal qualifications are necessary to apply, but a strong interest in the role of multilateralism and the UN in addressing pressing world issues is essential. Additionally, prior experience with campaigning and advocacy is desirable. The programme seeks to build a supportive community and as such, the ability to work collaboratively, listen, step up/step back, and respect others’ contributions is key. As English is the working language of the programme, a high level of proficiency is essential for all participants.

 

How to Apply

The application for QUNSS 2025 is now closed. 

Alongside your application form, candidates interested in attending are required to provide:

  • A video response
  • Your CV
  • One professional reference. Please use the reference form linked here and send it to one person who will be willing to provide a professional reference for you.

Timeline

The deadline for all applications (including references) closed on 31 March, 2025 at 09:00 Central European Time (CET).

Decisions to applicants communicated in April 2025.

The Quaker United Nations Summer School 2025 will take place entirely online via Zoom from 7- 18 July 2025. 4 hour sessions will be held Monday-Friday on weekdays across both weeks from 14:00 CET to 18:00 CET.