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 a three-month training programme at OLA/DOALOS, 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.
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 2025.
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.
Additional information: