Free UN Online Training on Children and Armed Conflict Now Open: Apply Before 13 July ·Unknown

If you are passionate about child protection, peacebuilding, humanitarian action, or international development, a valuable learning opportunity is now accepting applications.

The third edition of the Advanced Training on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) is open for registration, offering professionals around the world the chance to strengthen their expertise through a free, interactive online programme.

Developed through a partnership between the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and the Office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the course equips participants with practical knowledge and tools to better protect children affected by armed conflict. Thanks to financial support from the Government of Malta and the Republic of Austria, participation is completely free for selected applicants.

The application deadline is 13 July, making this an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to expand their skills in one of the most important areas of international peace and security.

Why This Training Matters

Armed conflicts continue to affect millions of children worldwide. Beyond the immediate risks of violence, conflict disrupts education, healthcare, family life, and access to essential services. Children may face displacement, recruitment by armed groups, exploitation, psychological trauma, and other serious violations of their rights.

Responding to these challenges requires professionals who understand not only humanitarian principles but also how child protection intersects with peacebuilding, development, human rights, and security efforts.

This advanced training helps participants develop the knowledge needed to integrate child protection into broader programmes and policies while strengthening their ability to advocate for meaningful action at local, national, regional, and international levels.

What Participants Will Learn

The programme is designed to provide practical and policy-oriented learning through eight live online sessions led by experienced experts.

Throughout the course, participants will learn how to:

• Identify opportunities to mainstream the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda into existing programmes and policies.
• Strengthen advocacy efforts for the protection of children living in conflict-affected areas.
• Apply a “CAAC lens” when working on peace and security, humanitarian response, development, and human rights initiatives.
• Design and implement activities that contribute to protecting children during and after armed conflict.
• Recognize good practices from different countries and regions.
• Build stronger partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and regional institutions working on child protection.

Rather than focusing only on theory, the training emphasizes practical application, helping participants connect global frameworks with real-world challenges.

Interactive Learning Experience

Unlike self-paced online courses, this programme features live virtual sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with instructors and fellow professionals from around the world.

The interactive format encourages:

• Group discussions
• Case study analysis
• Knowledge sharing
• Practical exercises
• Networking with international peers

This collaborative environment enables participants to exchange experiences from different sectors and regions while developing solutions to common challenges.

Who Should Apply?

The training is intended for professionals who are involved in areas related to peace, security, humanitarian action, development, or human rights.

It may be particularly valuable for:

• Humanitarian practitioners
• Child protection specialists
• Government officials
• Civil society representatives
• NGO staff
• Peacebuilding professionals
• Human rights advocates
• Development practitioners
• Researchers and policy analysts
• United Nations personnel
• Regional organization staff

Professionals who regularly work with vulnerable populations or conflict-affected communities can especially benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of child protection within complex emergencies.

Skills You Will Gain

By the end of the programme, participants will have strengthened their ability to:

• Analyze child protection challenges in conflict settings.
• Integrate child-focused approaches into broader programmes.
• Support evidence-based advocacy.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Understand international frameworks related to children and armed conflict.
• Develop practical responses that promote children’s rights during crises.

These competencies are increasingly valuable across humanitarian organizations, international NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, and multilateral organizations.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

One of the strongest aspects of this programme is that it combines high-quality instruction with accessibility.

Participants receive advanced training developed by leading United Nations institutions without paying tuition fees. Financial support from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, together with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, makes the programme available free of charge.

For professionals who may not have access to expensive international training programmes, this initiative offers an opportunity to learn directly from experts while connecting with a global community committed to protecting children.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Although the programme is free, applicants should take time to submit a thoughtful application.

Consider highlighting:

• Your current professional role.
• Experience working in humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, or human rights contexts.
• Your motivation for joining the programme.
• How the training will strengthen your ability to support children affected by conflict.
• Your commitment to applying the knowledge within your organization or community.

A clear explanation of how the course aligns with your career goals and current responsibilities can strengthen your application.

Application Deadline

Applications close on 13 July, so interested candidates should prepare and submit their applications as soon as possible.

This training represents an opportunity to gain specialized knowledge, expand your professional network, and strengthen your ability to protect children living in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Whether you work in humanitarian response, development, advocacy, or public policy, the skills gained through this programme can help you contribute more effectively to safeguarding children’s rights during times of conflict.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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