UNITAR Digital Upskilling and Reskilling Programme 2026 for Ukrainian Women Refugees and Internally Displaced Women in Ukraine | Fully Funded AI, GIS and Python Training ·Unknown

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), with generous funding from the Government and People of Japan, has officially opened applications for it’s digital Upskilling and Reskilling Programme 2026. This fully funded initiative is designed to empower Ukrainian women refugees living in Poland and internally displaced women in Ukraine by equipping them with practical digital skills that can unlock employment opportunities, remote work, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic resilience.

As technology continues to reshape industries worldwide, digital skills have become essential for accessing quality jobs and creating sustainable livelihoods. Recognizing this growing need, UNITAR has developed a comprehensive programme that combines technical training, mentoring, coaching, networking, and project development to help participants thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Approximately 500 women will be selected for the first phase of this prestigious programme, with the highest-performing participants advancing to exclusive hackathons and a final conference where they will present innovative projects before employers, investors, donors, and industry experts.

About the UNITAR Digital Upskilling and Reskilling Programme

The programme aims to strengthen the economic security of Ukrainian women who have been displaced due to conflict by providing practical digital education that aligns with today’s labour market.

Rather than focusing solely on theoretical instruction, participants will gain practical experience through project-based learning, expert mentoring, collaborative workshops, and continuous coaching throughout the programme.

Training will be delivered in:

• Ukrainian
• Polish
• English

The programme is implemented in partnership with:

• Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology
• Ukrainian Catholic University
• Eukarya
• Additional partner organizations committed to supporting Ukrainian women

Why You Should Apply

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills.
• Build expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Study AI programming using Python.
• Develop skills for remote employment opportunities.
• Improve employability in the technology sector.
• Create innovative digital solutions.
• Develop entrepreneurial ideas and socially responsible business concepts.
• Build a professional portfolio.
• Learn from experienced instructors and mentors.
• Join an international professional network.
• Receive continuous coaching throughout the programme.
• Compete for selection into the virtual hackathon.
• Earn the opportunity to present projects before employers and investors.
• Receive an official UNITAR Certificate upon successful completion.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of three progressive phases that allow participants to continuously develop their technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills.

Phase I: Online Digital Training

Approximately 500 participants will begin with an intensive online learning programme.

Every participant will first complete mandatory training in AI Fundamentals before choosing one specialization track.

Participants may choose one of the following tracks:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• AI Programming using Python

Throughout the online training, participants will:

• Complete online learning modules.
• Attend weekly webinars.
• Participate in consultation sessions.
• Receive personalized coaching support.
• Work on practical assignments.
• Build individual digital projects.
• Create professional portfolios.
• Develop self-marketing strategies.
• Design entrepreneurial or employment-focused project plans.

The goal is to ensure every participant finishes Phase I with a practical digital solution or career-ready project.

Phase II: Virtual Hackathon and Workshop

Up to 75 top-performing participants will advance to the second phase.

Selected participants will:

• Work collaboratively in virtual teams.
• Solve real-world challenges.
• Participate in an intensive virtual hackathon.
• Receive guidance from mentors and industry professionals.
• Refine projects developed during Phase I.
• Improve digital solutions using expert feedback.
• Strengthen business concepts and entrepreneurial ideas.

This phase emphasizes teamwork, innovation, creativity, and practical problem-solving.

Phase III: Final Conference

Approximately 30 outstanding participants will qualify for the final stage.

During this prestigious conference, participants will:

• Present polished projects.
• Pitch business ideas.
• Showcase digital solutions.
• Engage with employers.
• Network with investors.
• Meet donors.
• Receive additional mentoring.
• Build leadership skills.
• Improve communication and presentation techniques.
• Learn financial planning.
• Conduct market research for their projects.

The conference provides an excellent platform for participants to gain visibility and establish valuable professional relationships.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Apply Artificial Intelligence tools to practical workplace challenges.
• Improve employability through digital competencies.
• Use GIS technology to solve real-world problems.
• Develop AI applications using Python programming.
• Create digital solutions that address societal challenges.
• Build professional portfolios.
• Design project plans.
• Develop self-marketing strategies.
• Create socially responsible business concepts.
• Assess the feasibility and market potential of digital innovations.
• Collaborate effectively with mentors and peers.
• Incorporate professional feedback into project development.
• Deliver compelling project presentations.
• Demonstrate improved leadership abilities.
• Strengthen communication skills.
• Increase confidence in digital technologies.
• Prepare for careers in technology and entrepreneurship.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a Ukrainian woman refugee registered in Poland or an internally displaced woman living in Ukraine.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have an interest in digital technologies.
• Be motivated to learn through practical experience.
• Possess basic computer literacy.
• Have basic mathematics skills.
• Have access to a computer.
• Have reliable internet access.
• Be able to dedicate sufficient time to complete the intensive online programme.
• Be interested in entering the technology industry or upgrading existing digital skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants are encouraged—but not required—to have:

• University education.
• Beginner-level knowledge in an IT-related field.

Importantly, no previous programming experience is required, making the programme accessible to beginners who are eager to learn.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the programme and satisfy all performance requirements will receive an official UNITAR Certificate.

Training will be delivered through a dedicated digital learning hub that supports:

• Online learning.
• Professional networking.
• Peer collaboration.
• Resource sharing.
• Continued access to digital-sector information after programme completion.

About the UNITAR-Japan Partnership

This initiative is made possible through the long-standing partnership between UNITAR and the Government and People of Japan.

The partnership focuses on strengthening resilience, promoting sustainable development, and supporting vulnerable populations through capacity-building initiatives.

Through this programme, displaced Ukrainian women will receive practical digital education that enhances their economic independence while creating opportunities for sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.

Why This Programme Matters

Digital transformation is creating unprecedented opportunities across industries. However, displaced populations often face significant barriers to accessing quality employment and professional development.

This programme directly addresses these challenges by combining technical education with mentoring, coaching, networking, and project development. Rather than simply teaching digital concepts, UNITAR provides participants with practical experience and professional exposure that can significantly improve their career prospects.

For women seeking to rebuild their lives through technology, this programme offers an excellent opportunity to gain internationally recognized training, expand professional networks, and develop innovative projects with guidance from experts.

Application Deadline

25 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.

 APPLY HERE 

For more information about this opportunity visit the UNITAR website HERE

Also visit the OFY Website HERE for more global opportunities

Conclusion

The UNITAR Digital Upskilling and Reskilling Programme 2026 represents a valuable opportunity for Ukrainian women refugees in Poland and internally displaced women in Ukraine to acquire in-demand digital skills without financial barriers. Through comprehensive training in Artificial Intelligence, GIS, and Python programming, participants will strengthen their employability, build entrepreneurial capacity, and gain access to mentoring, networking, and career development opportunities. With its structured learning pathway, practical project work, international partnerships, and official certification, the programme provides participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Interested applicants should ensure they submit their applications before 25 August 2026 to be considered for this transformative opportunity.