United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea

United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea

The UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded program that builds the capacity of government officials and mid-level professionals from developing states to formulate comprehensive ocean governance frameworks aligned with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Established in 2004, the program emphasizes international cooperation, capacity-building, and sustainable ocean management.

Program Structure

1. Phase 1 – Academic Training (3 months):

   • Advanced research and training at DOALOS, UN Headquarters in New York

   • Exposure to global ocean policy and international law

2. Phase 2 – Research Placement (6 months):

   • Conduct research at a host institution from a global network of centers specializing in ocean affairs and maritime law

   • Develop a project directly relevant to national or regional ocean governance

Networking & Professional Development:

• Fellows join a global network of professionals and institutions for long-term collaboration

• Gain hands-on experience in UN policy-making and sustainable ocean management

Benefits

• Monthly stipend covering the full 9-month fellowship

• Economy class airfare: home country → New York → Host Institution → home country

• Comprehensive medical insurance

• Textbook allowance: $100/month during phase 2

• Access to UN and host institution resources for research

• Professional exposure to SDG-14 and related ocean governance efforts

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25–45 years

• Completed a first-level university degree or equivalent

• Ability to undertake advanced academic research

• Mid-level government official or professional working in ocean affairs, maritime law, SDG-14 implementation, marine conservation, coastal management, maritime transport/security, or marine sciences

• Must be from a developing state

• Fully available for the fellowship period (no other obligations unless authorized)

Eligible Regions Include:

• Africa: e.g., Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others

• Asia: e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and others

• Americas & Caribbean: e.g., Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and others

• Oceania: e.g., Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and others

This fellowship is ideal for emerging leaders in developing countries seeking to advance ocean governance, sustainable management, and maritime law expertise through UN-level training and research opportunities.