UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded)

Description

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in collaboration with the Government of Portugal, invites nominations for the prestigious UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025, aimed at empowering ocean policy leaders from developing countries. The fully funded capacity-building program on sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy will take place from 20 to 24 October 2025 in Portugal.

Designed for high-level officials and decision-makers, this program addresses urgent challenges related to marine ecosystems, ocean governance, the blue economy, and SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Degree Level

UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at .

Available Subjects

The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship is a five-day intensive program focused on advancing leadership and technical capacity in:

1. Sustainable Ocean Governance
2. Marine Conservation and Biodiversity Protection
3. Blue Economy Strategy Development
4. Continental Shelf Regimes and International Maritime Law

The Fellowship is part of a broader global initiative to support Sustainable Development Goal 14 and promote sustainable use and protection of ocean resources.

Benefits

1. High-level training led by global experts in marine governance, ocean law, and the blue economy
2. Networking and collaboration opportunities with international ocean policymakers
3. Integration into a global network of Ocean Governance Fellows
4. Real-world case studies and policy simulations
5. Enhanced expertise to influence national and international marine policy frameworks

Eligible Nationalities

This fellowship targets senior government officials from developing countries, particularly from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must be currently employed in a decision-making role related to Ocean Policy, Governance, or Marine Affairs
2. Should be Heads or Deputy Heads of national ocean agencies or Ambassadors/Equivalents responsible for maritime policy
3. Proven experience in ocean policy-making and governance
4. Committed to remaining in their public service roles medium to long term
5. Fluent in English (program is conducted exclusively in English)

Note: Women and Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, ensuring inclusive and diverse participation from communities most affected by climate and ocean crises.

Application Procedure

To nominate a candidate, UN Member States must submit the following to desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org, CC to oceanfellowship@mne.pt:

1. An official Note Verbale from the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN, listing the nominated candidates (ranked by priority if more than one).
2. A completed Nomination Form for each candidate.

Application Deadline: 15 July 2025

Late applications will not be considered.

Why You Should Apply

If you’re a senior official passionate about sustainable maritime policy, this fellowship offers unmatched access to:

1. International best practices in ocean conservation
2. Tools to build resilient marine economies
3. Engagement with the UN SDG 14 agenda
4. Collaboration with Portuguese and global experts

This is a career-defining opportunity for policymakers to bring back insights that will shape their country’s approach to the ocean economy and sustainable development.

Conclusion: Lead the Global Shift in Ocean Sustainability

The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 is more than just a training—it’s a call to action for leaders shaping the future of our planet’s oceans. With fully funded participation and exclusive networking access, this program is ideal for those committed to protecting marine life, promoting a blue economy, and implementing policies that support SDG 14: Life Below Water.