UNITAR Youth Leaders for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 Online Course: Free United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Training for Young People in Asia-Pacific

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is now accepting applications for the Youth Leaders for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 Online Course, a fully funded online learning programme designed to empower young people across the Asia-Pacific region with essential knowledge and practical skills in disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

This unique four-week online programme will take place from 1 to 30 September 2026 and is offered completely free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Government and the People of Japan.

The programme brings together young leaders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries to learn from disaster experts, engage with peers from across the region, and explore practical strategies for building safer, more resilient communities.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive an official UNITAR Certificate of Participation, enhancing their academic and professional profiles while demonstrating their commitment to disaster resilience and sustainable development.

About UNITAR

Established in 1965, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) serves as the dedicated training arm of the United Nations.

UNITAR strengthens knowledge and institutional capacity through innovative learning programmes, research, and strategic partnerships that support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other global development initiatives.

Its programmes equip individuals, governments, and organizations with practical skills to address today’s global challenges.

About the Youth Leaders for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 Online Course

The Youth Leaders for World Tsunami Awareness Day Online Course is an international capacity-building initiative aimed at educating young people about disaster preparedness and resilience while encouraging them to become active contributors to safer communities.

The 2026 edition also commemorates the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, providing participants with an opportunity to study Japan’s disaster preparedness experience alongside lessons learned from disasters across the Asia-Pacific region.

The programme emphasizes youth leadership by encouraging participants to reflect on how disaster risk reduction principles can be applied within their schools, universities, organizations, and local communities.

Programme Duration

The course will run from:

1 September 2026 – 30 September 2026

Participants will spend approximately 1–2 hours per week completing course activities.

Learning Format

The programme is delivered entirely online in English.

Participants will benefit from a flexible learning experience that includes:

• Self-paced online learning modules
• Live webinars with international experts
• Interactive discussions
• Online youth networking community
• Practical learning activities
• Case studies
• Videos
• Interactive quizzes
• Real-world disaster preparedness examples

The course can be accessed using:

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Laptop computers
• Desktop computers

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the programme, participants will explore a wide range of important topics related to disaster risk reduction and resilience.

Key learning areas include:

Disaster Risk Reduction Fundamentals

Participants will gain a strong understanding of:

• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
• The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

The course examines:

• The causes and impacts of the 2011 disaster
• Recovery efforts
• Preparedness lessons
• Community resilience

Disaster Preparedness Across Asia-Pacific

Participants will study:

• Regional disaster experiences
• National preparedness initiatives
• Community-based resilience strategies

Youth Leadership

The programme highlights the important role that young people play in:

• Community preparedness
• Public awareness
• Disaster education
• Emergency response
• Local resilience initiatives

Early Warning and Emergency Preparedness

Participants will learn about:

• Early warning systems
• Evacuation planning
• Emergency response strategies
• Risk communication

Climate Change and Disaster Risk

The programme explores:

• Climate-related disasters
• Climate resilience
• Adaptation strategies
• Disaster prevention

Building Resilient Communities

Participants will examine concepts including:

• Inclusive resilience
• Sustainable recovery
• “Build Back Better”
• Community engagement

Benefits of the Programme

Participants selected for the programme will receive numerous benefits, including:

• Free participation with no tuition fees
• Training delivered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
• Official UNITAR Certificate of Participation upon successful completion
• Flexible online learning format
• Live webinars with international experts
• Networking opportunities with youth leaders from across Asia-Pacific
• Practical knowledge in disaster preparedness and resilience
• Increased understanding of climate change and disaster risk reduction
• Exposure to Japanese disaster preparedness experience
• Enhanced leadership and community engagement skills

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 14 and 25 years of age
• Be a national of or currently reside in one of the participating countries
• Have an interest in disaster risk reduction, resilience, sustainable development, or related fields
• Be able to participate in English
• Commit approximately 1–2 hours per week during the programme

Participating Countries

Eligible applicants must come from one of the following countries:

• Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia
• China
• Fiji
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Lao PDR
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Republic of Korea
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Viet Nam

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements will receive an official UNITAR Certificate of Participation.

This certificate demonstrates knowledge of disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and sustainable development and can strengthen future academic, volunteer, scholarship, and career applications.

Why You Should Apply

The UNITAR Youth Leaders for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 Online Course provides a unique opportunity to gain internationally recognized training from a United Nations institution while connecting with young leaders across Asia-Pacific.

Participants will develop practical knowledge that can be applied in schools, universities, local communities, and future careers related to disaster management, climate resilience, public policy, sustainable development, and humanitarian work.

Since the programme is offered entirely online and free of charge, it is accessible to motivated young people regardless of financial background.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official online application form before the application deadline.

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 (11:59 p.m. JST / UTC+9)

Apply here

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here 

• More global short courses opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here