Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program 2026

📖 About the Program

The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs, is accepting applications for the 2026 sessions of the UN–Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship and the Ocean Governance Fellowship for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These fellowships aim to build national capacity in ocean affairs, law of the sea, and sustainable development.

🎁 Benefits

Each fellow receives a tailored curriculum based on:

• Strategic national needs identified in the application.
• Priorities endorsed by the Nominating Authority.

Training Components Include:

• Expert-led lectures by UN staff and visiting specialists.
• Scenario-based learning exercises.
• Group discussions and technical workshops.
• Possible learning placement with a UN entity or affiliated organization.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Nominated candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 25 and 45.
• Have successfully completed a first-level university degree.
• Be Government officials from developing countries dealing directly with critical issues related to:
  • Implementation of UNCLOS and related instruments.
  • National and/or regional ocean policies.
  • Establishment of maritime zones and delimitation of maritime boundaries.
  • Coastal zone management.
  • Conservation and management of marine living resources.
  • Maritime transport and shipping.
  • Maritime security.
  • Protection and preservation of the marine environment.
  • Ocean and climate change.
  • Marine science.
• Have strong command of oral and written English (note: the activities of the Fellowship are delivered in English).
• Their proposed study programme must contribute directly to the State's formulation and/or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programmes.
• Be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during the entire period unless otherwise authorized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs.

📝 Application Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Access the official UN–Nippon Foundation Programmes website.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Prepare the Personal History and Proposed Research or Study Programme Form.
4. Obtain and upload the Nomination Form from the Nominating Authority.
5. Submit all required documents before the deadline.

📅 Application Deadline

22 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the program on the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program website.
• Apply directly via the application form.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for professionals from developing countries to enhance their expertise in ocean affairs and contribute to sustainable development globally. Make sure to apply before the deadline!

• Each fellow receives a tailored curriculum based on strategic national needs identified in the application and priorities endorsed by the Nominating Authority.
• Training components include expert-led lectures by UN staff and visiting specialists, scenario-based learning exercises, group discussions and technical workshops, and possible learning placement with a UN entity or affiliated organization.