Are you a passionate leader or policymaker in ocean governance? The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 could be your gateway to driving sustainable change! This fully funded fellowship, jointly organized by the United Nations and Portugal, offers high-level officials from developing countries an exclusive opportunity to strengthen their expertise in sustainable ocean governance, marine conservation, and blue economy. If you’re committed to protecting marine ecosystems and advancing SDG 14, this unique program in Lisbon, Portugal is for you.

About the United Nations and Portugal Ocean Fellowship

The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship is a capacity-sharing initiative designed to equip future ocean leaders with interdisciplinary knowledge and leadership skills. It fosters global collaboration and empowers high-level officials from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and other developing economies to create innovative solutions for ocean challenges. Backed by the United Nations and the Government of Portugal, this program plays a key role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 Overview

Fellowship Name	UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025
Host	United Nations & Government of Portugal
Program Type	Capacity Building Fellowship
Duration	5 Days (20–24 October 2025)
Target Group	High-level policymakers from developing countries
Financial Coverage	Fully funded (Flights, Accommodation, Meals)
Eligibility	Developing countries, SIDS, LDCs
Application Deadline	15 July 2025
Fellowship Location	Lisbon, Portugal

Fellowship Benefits

Selected participants for the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025 will receive:

• Round-trip economy-class flights from the capital of their country to Lisbon
• Hotel accommodation in Lisbon during the fellowship period
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) covered for the duration of the program
• Gain access to a global platform for networking and collaborative opportunities with scholars and professionals worldwide.
• A structured, interdisciplinary curriculum on ocean governance, marine conservation, sustainable blue economy, and continental shelf regimes

Please Note:
• This internship doesn’t cover Internal travel within the country of origin, personal insurance, and daily allowances.
• Participants must handle their own visa arrangements independently.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high-level official (Head/Deputy Head of a national agency responsible for ocean policy or Ambassador/equivalent)
• Have substantial experience in ocean policy-making and governance
• Current employment in government service with a plan to remain in this role
• Possess good working proficiency in English (the fellowship is in English)
• Be nominated through your country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Special Consideration Will Be Given To:
• Women and indigenous candidates
• Applicants belonging to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
• Selection will include equitable geographic representation

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025:

1. Nomination Submission
   • A formal nomination (Note Verbale) must be submitted via the respective Permanent Mission to the United Nations, listing candidates in order of priority.
   • Each candidate must submit an individual Nomination Form.
2. Deadline for Nominations
   • All nominations must be received by 15 July 2025.
3. Submission Method
   • Send nominations to [email protected] and [email protected] by the deadline.

For full details on eligibility and program background, visit the official website of UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship webpage.

Comparison with Similar Opportunities

Fellowship Name	Host	Duration	Target Group	Financial Coverage	Application Deadline
UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship	UN & Portugal	5 Days	High-level policymakers	Fully funded	15 July 2025
Nippon Foundation Ocean Governance Fellowship	UN Division for Ocean Affairs	9 Months	Mid-level professionals	Fully funded	Varies annually
IOI Canada Training Programme in Ocean Governance	IOI Canada	4 Weeks	Mid-level professionals	Partially funded	April 2025
UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship	UN	9 Months	Early-career professionals	Fully funded	September 2025

FAQs about UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025

1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
   High-level government officials from developing countries, including Heads of agencies or Ambassadors engaged in ocean policy.
2. Is the fellowship available to students or mid-level professionals?
   No, the program is targeted at high-level decision-makers and policymakers.
3. What does the fellowship cover financially?
   It covers round-trip airfare, accommodation, and meals during the program in Lisbon.
4. Does the fellowship cover internal travel within my country?
   No, participants must cover internal travel costs within their home country.
5. What level of English proficiency do I require?
   You need a good working knowledge of English as the entire program will be in English.
6. Is there any visa support for Ocean Governance Fellowship?
   Participants must arrange their own visas. The organizers will not assist but will provide necessary supporting documents.
7. Are women and indigenous candidates prioritized?
   Yes, the program actively encourages participation from women and indigenous groups.
8. Can I apply directly?
   No, your country’s Permanent Mission must nominate you to the UN.
9. When will the fellowship take place?
   From 20–24 October 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
10. What is the application deadline?
    The deadline for nominations is 15 July 2025.

Seize this chance to enhance your experience. APPLY NOW for UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship 2025.