TRAINING COURSE I EDITION 2026

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT: RISKS, PROTECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

VENUE: ZURIGO

DATES : 7 -12 SEPTEMBER 2026

FORMAT: HYBRID ( in person and online )

FEE : 300 € (tbc)

INTRODUCTION

This course, organized in cooperation with the University of Lausanne and under the patronage of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva, examines how rapid technological developments are reshaping armed conflict and profoundly affecting children. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, cyber operations, and emerging military technologies generate both new protection tools and unprecedented risks for children in conflict settings.

The programme provides a multidisciplinary analysis of how new technologies intersect with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, child protection frameworks, and accountability mechanisms. A strong gender perspective is integrated throughout, recognizing the differentiated impact of technologies on girls and boys.

Combining lectures, case studies, workshops, and simulations, the course equips participants with the analytical and practical skills needed to assess technological risks, design child-sensitive and gender-responsive responses, and contribute to prevention, protection, and accountability efforts at national and international levels.