Overview
The United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY) invites organisations to become members of its global network starting in January 2027.
The organisation is a network uniting over 100 youth-led organisations from over 60 countries working towards the creation of the world free of violence and where youth have meaningful opportunities for engaging in transforming conflicts and participating in peacebuilding processes.
In contrast to funding or project cooperation with a defined end date, this is a long-term membership in a peer network based on learning, solidarity, and collective advocacy.
An important thing worth mentioning in this context is the fact that UNOY explicitly defines itself not as a donor or funding agency. This means that you should not apply for a grant; instead, UNOY offers community, capacity building, visibility, and networking through fundraising alerts sharing and collective advocacy.
Important Details
Now is the time to apply; applications should be submitted until September 13, 2026. UNOY chooses 10-15 member organisations annually and selected members start to participate in network activities in January 2027. Applying process takes approximately 30 minutes. Please note that this opportunity is intended for organisations, not individuals.
Eligibility Requirements
First of all, it is necessary to stress that the organisation should be youth-led. This means that at least two thirds of the organisation leadership and paid staff should be under 35 years of age.
Moreover, if the organisation fails to meet this requirement throughout its membership in the network, it will be required to disaffiliate since youth component is an integral part of the network and its legitimacy in the peace and security field.
Apart from the youth-led requirement, the organisation should actively engage in peacebuilding and be committed to a culture of peace and nonviolence.
Additionally, UNOY is looking for organisations ready to contribute to the network rather than receive help, since the network works on the principles of reciprocity, so its members are expected to appoint two focal points under 35 responsible for their participation in network activities, fill out an annual impact review survey, and share information and opportunities with their teams, not to withhold it.
There are several nuances of the selection process that it is important to know before applying. UNOY considers applications while taking into account regional and cross-regional balance, so organisations coming from the countries where UNOY already has plenty of members may be deprioritised, but not automatically disqualified.
The same concerns high annual budget of the organisation, because UNOY is intentionally trying to use its limited number of places in favour of youth-led peacebuilding organisations that could use this network the most.
Membership Benefits
As a member, your organisation will be a part of the global community of youth-led peacebuilding organisations united by the concept of mutual learning rather than unilateral support.
Members work on developing regional strategies and action plans in the framework of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and get monthly fundraising alerts and opportunities to apply for external funding together with other UNOY members.
Participation in regional advocacy teams (Africa, Asia, or Americas), thematic learning groups, global and regional trainings and workshops, and access to toolkits, reports, and manuals developed in the framework of the network.
Concerning visibility, it will be possible for member organisations to represent UNOY at international events, mention their membership publicly, and be involved in UNOY publications. Long term, member organisations may propose candidates for the position of Regional Coordinator (paid consultancy position) or apply for the position of International Steering Group Representative (voluntary elected position).
Expected Contribution
UNOY does not tolerate passive membership. Organisations, which fail to provide their contribution to the network or skip annual impact review survey for two consecutive years, will be disaffiliated. It is expected that focal points will represent their organisations actively, coordinate communications, and spread information within their team, rather than withhold it.
Application Process
- Study UNOY's Strategic Plan and carefully go through all expectations and benefits of membership.
- Fill out online application form (approximately 30 minutes).
- Choose and specify your two focal points under 35 – they will become main contacts for UNOY.
- Submit the application until September 13, 2026.
- If your organisation is shortlisted, it will be invited to have an online meeting with your Regional Coordinator to discuss your work, motivation, and expectations.
- All applicants will receive an email notification about the result.
- Selected members will become members of the network in January 2027.
Apply Here
Major Considerations
It is important to understand before applying that UNOY is not a funding source, and the International Secretariat of the network does not partner with its members in order to apply for joint funding; it uses its limited fundraising capabilities in favour of the whole network rather than individual members.
If your goal in becoming the member of this network is receiving financial support, then this opportunity is unlikely to meet your expectations.
UNOY receives more applications than 10-15 available spots, and the criteria change from year to year depending on the regional needs, so an organisation coming from the region where UNOY has few members and operates with a lean budget, may be preferred over another strong candidate from overrepresented region or well-funded organisation.
Is This Opportunity Right for Your Organisation?
Suitable for youth-led peacebuilding organisations, especially small or lean, seeking community, mutual learning, and collective advocacy, but not for funding. Not suitable for individuals and non-youth-led organisations.
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