[Application process for this 2018 project is closed]
Interested to learn about nuclear weapons and diplomacy? Excited to lobby at an UN conference? Apply for the Nuclear Diplomacy Crash Course, attend an international meeting of the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty in Geneva and help us create a nuclear weapon free world!
What is the Crash Course?
The Nuclear Diplomacy Crash Course is a series of trainings to engage in nuclear weapons diplomacy. This competitive program exists of 4 training sessions and participation in a conference in Geneva and a follow-up event organized by you!
The Crash Course is a nuclear disarmament education programme for 10-15 selected students organized by PAX. The PAX No Nukes team informs, mobilizes and speaks out for nuclear disarmament. PAX is a driving force behind ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, who received this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Together with ICAN, PAX played a crucial role in the realization of the international Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, a Treaty supported by 122 countries. The trainings will be provided by speakers from several organizations such as Clingendael, Leiden University, the NRG Petten, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PAX. During the Crash Course you will learn about the basics of arms control & non-proliferation, nuclear technology, the Dutch approach to nuclear weapons and lobbying and campaigning at the NPT PrepCom. Before every training you will receive relevant literature.
After the trainings in the Netherlands you will travel to Geneva together with the PAX No Nukes Team. During the visit to the Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee meeting (NPT PrepCom 2018) you will engage with campaigners and diplomats and put your own diplomatic knowledge into practice. During the Crash Course programme you will be an ambassador for PAX educating and involving others to create a nuclear weapons free world. Afterwards you will also organise an follow-up event about nuclear weapons (for example a debate, pub quiz or a movie night).
PAX wants to provide this opportunity to students who support our cause for nuclear disarmament and/or aspire a career in lobbying or campaigning. It can be challenging to enter this field and PAX wants to offer a platform for young and motivated students to learn about nuclear disarmament and to get involved in the diplomacy surrounding nuclear weapons.
Important dates:
5 February: Deadline applications
28 February, 18.00h-21.00h: Introduction Meeting at the PAX office in Utrecht
7 March, 10.00-13.00h: Training 1 “The Basics of Arms Control & Non-proliferation” by Clingendael and Leiden University
16 March, 11.00-13.00h: Training 2 “Nuclear Technology” by Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG Petten)
11 April, 10.00-12.00h: Training 3 “The Dutch Approach to Nuclear Weapons” by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
18 April, 13.00-17.00h: Training 4 “Lobbying and Campaigning at the NPT PrepCom in Geneva” by PAX
20 – 26 April: Participation in an ICAN conference and the Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory committee meeting in Geneva
27 April – 17 May: Students organise a follow-up event
18 May: Reunion event at the PAX office in Utrecht (evening)
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for 10 to 15 ambitious (Dutch and/or international) students studying in the Netherlands with an interest in international developments, who are keen to learn about disarmament issues (especially in nuclear disarmament). Fluency in English is necessary both in speech and writing and you need to be available during all workshops in the Netherlands and the entire stay in Geneva.
What do we expect from you?
- Attendance all workshops in the Netherlands and the entire stay in Geneva
- During the Crash Course and the conference in Geneva you’ll be asked to write blogs, make vlogs and/or to try and get your university’s or local newspaper to publish about your diplomatic adventures
- Read provided literature for each training session
- Organise at least one event about nuclear weapons
What can you expect from us?
- Relevant literature and information to prepare for the trainings and participation in NPT PrepCom in Geneva
- PAX covers travel costs for the trainings in the Netherlands
- PAX covers your flight to and accommodation in Geneva
- PAX will cover your travel insurance during the NPT PrepCom in Geneva
Please contact Selma van Oostwaard and Lidewij Nauta at nauta@paxforpeace.nl if you have any questions.
For more information visit www.paxforpeace.nl, www.nonukes.nl and www.icanw.org.