Objectives
Tailored to address the special circumstances of SIDS, along with the diverse challenges, opportunities and needs across different regions, this Fellowship aims to increase the capacity of Government officials from SIDS to effectively implement ocean governance and international legal frameworks. In particular, this Fellowship aims to strengthen human capacity to support the development of ocean governance frameworks necessary to:
- Effectively implement UNCLOS, its implementing agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement, and related instruments;
- Tackle the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution); and
- Implement the SDGs, especially SDG 14, with a focus on developing sustainable blue economies, addressing environmental impacts (particularly the devastating impacts of ocean plastic), building resilience to climate change, and giving consideration to gender aspects.
Fellowship structure, curriculum and deliverables
The Fellowship consists of an approximately three-month training programme at OLA/DOALOS, at United Nations Headquarters in New York. A customized curriculum is developed for successful candidates, targeting the challenges highlighted in their applications and supported by their Nominating Authorities. The curriculum comprises in-person training sessions, scenario-based exercises, group discussions and workshops delivered by United Nations staff and visiting experts.
In addition to a number of activities developed to address their specific needs, SIDS Fellows will be integrated into the training activities designed for Strategic Needs Fellows, offering them additional opportunities for learning and networking.
The deliverables of the Fellowship Programme include assignments, a research paper prepared by the Fellows, and the development of an ocean governance matrix.
The Fellowship is scheduled to take place from early September to early December 2026.
Eligibility criteria
This Fellowship is open to Government officials from SIDS who hold positions in their Administrations relevant to ocean affairs and the law of the sea, and who have limited background in this field. The eligibility criteria can be found here.
The Fellowship is fully funded and includes a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and round-trip economy class airfare. Further details about the Fellowship conditions and financial support are available on our Fellowship Conditions webpage.
Application process
Candidates must complete the application package available in the “Apply Now” section on the UN-Nippon Foundation Programmes website (https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/apply-now). To apply, candidates must:
- Complete the required application forms
- Submit the application forms, along with a copy of their passport, to the following email address: doalos@un.org, with the email subject line “2026 UNNF Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Strategic Needs Fellowships“.
NOTE: This year’s application forms allow candidates to submit a single application for the UNNF Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Fellowship (for SIDS nationals only) and for the UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship. Eligible applicants may apply to one or both Fellowships but will ultimately be selected for only one Fellowship.
The deadline for submitting the complete application package is 22 March 2026. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and use the application forms made available on the website to apply for the Programme. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Awards will be communicated individually to the selected candidates and subsequently posted in the News section of the Fellowship website by the end of May 2026. Ten Fellowships will be offered for the 2026 session of the SIDS Fellowship.
Additional information: