The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious program organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in collaboration with the Government of Portugal. This fully funded fellowship aims to empower ocean policy leaders from developing countries, focusing on sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy.
Key Details:
* Funding Type: Fully Funded
* Location: Portugal
* Program Dates: October 20-24, 2025
* Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
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Program Overview
The fellowship is designed for high-level officials and decision-makers, addressing urgent challenges related to:
* Marine ecosystems
* Ocean governance
* The blue economy
* Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water
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Available Subjects
The fellowship includes a five-day intensive program covering:
1. Sustainable Ocean Governance
2. Marine Conservation and Biodiversity Protection
3. Blue Economy Strategy Development
4. Continental Shelf Regimes and International Maritime Law
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Benefits of the Fellowship
Participants will gain:
* High-level training from global experts in marine governance and ocean law.
* Networking opportunities with international ocean policymakers.
* Integration into a global network of Ocean Governance Fellows.
* Real-world case studies and policy simulations.
* Enhanced expertise to influence national and international marine policy frameworks.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must:
* Be currently employed in a decision-making role related to Ocean Policy, Governance, or Marine Affairs.
* Hold positions such as Heads or Deputy Heads of national ocean agencies or Ambassadors responsible for maritime policy.
* Have proven experience in ocean policy-making and governance.
* Be committed to remaining in their public service roles for the medium to long term.
* Be fluent in English, as the program is conducted exclusively in English.
Note: Women and Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to ensure diverse participation.
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Application Procedure
To nominate a candidate, UN Member States must submit the following to desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org [desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org], with a copy to oceanfellowship@mne.pt [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.
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Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers senior officials a unique opportunity to:
* Access international best practices in ocean conservation.
* Build resilient marine economies.
* Engage with the UN SDG 14 agenda.
* Collaborate with Portuguese and global experts.
For more information and to apply, visit the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship page [https://sdgs.un.org/events/un-portugal-ocean-fellowship-capacity-building-program-sustainable-ocean-governance-and-0].