The Buffett Institute for Global Affairs is currently seeking self-nominations for a student working group on the topic of youth and peacebuilding.

This working group will take a leading role, with supervision from Buffett Institute leadership, in developing the Fall 2025 symposium on youth and peacebuilding. In addition, the working group may propose outputs or additional engagement opportunities around this symposium, such as a white paper or handbook for youth engagement in peacebuilding processes. 

The working group will convene monthly on the Evanston campus during the following terms: Winter 2025, Spring 2025, and Fall 2025. These meetings will be held in person, at a time that works for the group. Working group members may be assigned project tasks that require work outside the meeting times, though this is not expected to be more than 10 hours per month.

This academic year’s symposia from the Buffett Institute include Abortion Access Today: Global Insights and Comparisons, AI and Geopolitics and From War to Peacemaking: The Role of International Diplomacy.

Who is eligible?

• Northwestern undergraduate and graduate students based at the Evanston or Chicago campuses, open to any major or discipline.
• Must be on campus and not graduating any earlier than the end of the Fall 2025 term.
• Demonstrated interest in peacebuilding or diplomacy.

How will self-nominations be assessed?

This working group will consist of four to six students. In evaluating the self-nominations, we will consider cohort dynamics, including representation across majors and schools. In addition, those who have demonstrated interest in peacebuilding or diplomacy and experience in collaborative settings will be most successful.

What are the benefits to joining the working group?

Students can expect to gain leadership experience in the areas of peacebuilding and conflict resolution, with the potential for global impact in policy and practice. In addition, students will network with activists, professionals and political leaders working in these areas.

Students who successfully complete the commitments of the working group will receive a stipend of $500, to be split between the end of Spring and Fall 2025 quarters.

Application process

Students must complete this self-nomination form no later than Tuesday, January 21 at 11:59p.m. We aim to let students know whether they’ve been selected within the next week or so, with the first meeting to commence in February.

Questions?

Email Buffett-Undergrad-Programs@Northwestern.edu or schedule an appointment with Samantha Nissen, the director for strategic initiatives and undergraduate programs.