Are you a mid-level professional from a developing country passionate about ocean governance, international law of the sea, or sustainable maritime development? Then this is your opportunity to become a global changemaker! The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications.
This fully funded fellowship provides selected candidates with intensive training, exposure to international policy-making processes, and the skills necessary to influence ocean governance back in their home countries. If you’re from Nigeria or any developing nation with a strategic ocean or coastal interest, this is the kind of opportunity that could reshape your career.
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Program Overview
- Host: United Nations, Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS)
- Funding Partner: The Nippon Foundation
- Duration: 3-month in-person training at UN HQ in New York
- Focus Areas: Ocean affairs, maritime law, sustainable development, climate change, marine biodiversity, capacity building
- Fellowship Period: The 2025 cohort will start in the second half of the year
This program aims to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other ocean-related instruments.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this prestigious fellowship, applicants must:
- Be from a developing country (such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, etc.)
- Currently serve in a government department, public agency, or academic institution directly involved in ocean affairs or law of the sea
- Be between 25 and 40 years old
- Have an advanced university degree (or equivalent professional experience)
- Demonstrate a strategic need for capacity building in ocean affairs
- Be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking)
The program is particularly designed for professionals who are already involved in policy, law, marine science, and diplomacy.
Also check: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at University of Toronto 2025
What the Fellowship Covers
This is a fully funded program covering:
- Roundtrip airfare to New York
- UN Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for accommodation and living costs
- Medical insurance during the fellowship period
- Access to world-class UN resources and training experts
- Professional mentorship
- Certification upon successful completion
Fellows will have the chance to work closely with UN staff, international legal experts, and policymakers. They’ll also be able to participate in high-level UN meetings on ocean and environmental issues.
Also check: Apply for the University of British Columbia Affiliated Fellowship program 2025
Location & Structure
The entire program takes place in person at United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. Fellows will undergo:
- Briefing sessions on global ocean challenges and UN ocean frameworks
- Practical training on drafting policy documents, negotiation, and advocacy
- Individual work plans, focusing on real issues affecting their home countries
By the end of the program, fellows will be equipped with actionable strategies to implement back home.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the official UN Ocean Capacity platform. The deadline for the 2025 cycle is 14 September 2025 (please check the website for exact dates).
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Personal statement (including your motivation and how you plan to use the fellowship)
- Institutional nomination and reference letters
- Proof of employment and academic qualifications
👉 Apply now via: https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/apply-now
Why You Should Apply
- Represent your country in global ocean governance discussions
- Build your professional network with international legal experts, UN officials, and scientists
- Strengthen your country’s strategic ocean policy
- Get inspired to take local action for global maritime sustainability
- Gain practical UN experience that can lead to future career growth or international roles
For many past fellows, this program has served as a launchpad into international diplomacy, ocean advocacy, and academic excellence.
🔗 Related Opportunities
- UNV Online Volunteering Program 2025
- UBC Affiliated Fellowships Doctoral Scholarship 2025
- How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship Without IELTS or TOEFL
- UN Ocean Fellowship (Portugal) 2025
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