UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025

Overview
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the Government of Portugal, is pleased to announce the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025. This fully funded program is designed to strengthen the leadership and technical capacity of ocean policy officials from developing nations, with a focus on sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy.

Program Details
📍 Location: Portugal
📅 Dates: 20–24 October 2025
🎯 Focus: High-level capacity building in marine policy, ocean law, and blue economy strategies.

About the Fellowship
This intensive five-day program is tailored for senior officials and decision-makers working in ocean-related governance. It supports the implementation of SDG 14: Life Below Water, addressing urgent global challenges including marine biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable exploitation of ocean resources.

Areas of Focus
Fellows will receive expert-led training in the following key domains:

• Sustainable Ocean Governance

• Marine Conservation and Biodiversity

• Blue Economy Strategy Development

• Continental Shelf and Maritime Law

The curriculum combines theoretical insights with real-world policy simulations and case studies.

What the Fellowship Offers

• Fully funded participation (including travel, accommodation, and program costs)

• In-depth training by global authorities in ocean governance and law

• Immersion in international best practices and policy innovation

• Access to a global network of Ocean Governance Fellows

• Strengthened capacity to influence national and international marine policies

Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to senior government officials from developing countries, especially from:

• Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

• Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:

• Hold a high-level decision-making role in ocean policy, governance, or marine affairs

• Serve as Heads or Deputy Heads of national ocean agencies, or be Ambassadors/Equivalents in maritime matters

• Demonstrate proven experience in marine policy-making

• Commit to continued service in the public sector in the medium to long term

• Be fluent in English (the program language)

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

Application Process
To nominate a candidate, UN Member States must send the following to desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org, with a copy 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 submissions will not be considered.

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Why You Should Apply
For senior officials committed to advancing marine sustainability, this fellowship presents a transformative opportunity to:

• Learn from world-class experts in ocean governance

• Equip your country with cutting-edge tools for sustainable marine development

• Engage directly with the UN SDG 14 framework

• Forge strategic partnerships with Portuguese institutions and global stakeholders

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Lead the Change for a Sustainable Ocean Future
The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 is not just a training—it’s a platform for global change. By participating, you become part of an elite network shaping the future of ocean sustainability, marine resilience, and international maritime policy.

Be the voice your ocean needs.
Apply now. Shape tomorrow.

APPLY HERE