Are you a high-level decision-maker in ocean governance from a developing country? Here’s your chance to boost your expertise, grow your international network, and help drive sustainable change in marine policy. The United Nations, in partnership with the Government of Portugal, has officially opened nominations for the 2025 UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship — a high-impact program dedicated to Sustainable Ocean Governance and the Blue Economy.
About the Fellowship
This prestigious 5-day capacity-building program will take place from October 20–24, 2025, in Portugal, and will gather up to 30 ocean policy officials from developing economies worldwide. It is designed to equip fellows with the tools and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to address critical ocean challenges, implement sustainable blue economy practices, and meet the objectives of SDG 14: Life Below Water.
Fellowship Benefits
- Fully Funded Program
All transportation, accommodation, and subsistence expenses will be covered by the organizers. - Expert-Led Curriculum
Fellows will learn from global experts in ocean governance, marine conservation, the continental shelf regime, and sustainable blue economy policy. - Global Networking
Connect with fellow decision-makers, diplomats, and senior officials from around the world in a collaborative and future-focused environment. - Empowering Future Leaders
Strengthen your leadership capabilities with interdisciplinary training tailored for policy-level roles in marine and coastal affairs. - Promoting Inclusive Participation
Special emphasis is placed on the inclusion of women and indigenous leaders, as well as participation from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Who Should Apply?
This Fellowship is open only to official nominees from UN Member States classified as Developing Economies under the UN-DESA methodology. Ideal candidates include:
- Heads or deputy heads of national ocean policy agencies
- Ambassadors or equivalent-level decision-makers in marine policy
- Professionals with proven experience in national ocean governance
- Individuals with a medium-to-long-term role in their country’s marine policy sector
- Candidates with fluency in English, as the fellowship will be conducted exclusively in English
Note: The UN strongly encourages female and indigenous candidates to apply.
Programs and Learning Tracks
Fellows will engage in an intensive, interactive program that blends:
- Ocean Governance & Marine Policy Frameworks
- Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation
- Continental Shelf Legal and Economic Dynamics
- Sustainable Blue Economy Development
- Strategic International Collaboration & Diplomacy
The last date to submit nominations for the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 is 15 July 2025.