Discover how the United Nations Nippon Fellowship offers mid-level professionals from developing States a unique opportunity to gain advanced training in ocean affairs and the law of the sea.

The United Nations Nippon Fellowship provides Government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing States with advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
OPPORTUNITY AT A GLANCE:
United Nations Nippon Fellowship 2024 | Details |
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Program Overview | Advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea for government officials and mid-level professionals from developing States. |
Training Focus | International legal frameworks, key issues, and best practices in ocean affairs. |
Eligibility Requirements | – Age: 25-40 – First university degree – Mid-level professional from a developing State government or relevant agency – Able to assist in policy formulation/implementation – Free of non-Fellowship obligations during the Fellowship period |
Rewards | – Monthly stipend during Fellowship – Return economy class airfare – Book allowance of US$100 per month during phase two (9-month program) – Medical coverage by Cigna Health Insurance |
Program Duration | 9 months |
Application Process | – Visit the fellowship website – Apply online – Demonstrate eligibility through application forms – Obtain confirmation from a nominating authority – Women candidates encouraged to apply |
Deadline | 30 March, 2025 |
Additional Benefits | Familiarization with the work of the United Nations and development of professional skills. |
Fellows will learn about international legal frameworks, key issues, and best practices in ocean affairs, become familiar with the work of the United Nations, and develop professional skills.
Facts About The United Nations
- Pre-UN Humanitarian Efforts: Long before the UN’s creation, the International Committee of the Red Cross was established to provide protection and assistance to victims of armed conflict. This pioneering organization set the stage for future international humanitarian efforts.
- The League of Nations’ Early Start: The League of Nations, the first global organization aimed at maintaining peace, was established immediately after World War I. Despite its noble goals, it faced significant challenges and ultimately could not prevent another global conflict.
- Woodrow Wilson’s Vision: U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was a major advocate for the creation of an international body to ensure peace. His vision was instrumental in the formation of the League of Nations, although the United States never joined it.
- A Historic Beginning: The League of Nations officially came into existence on 10 January 1920, when the Covenant of the League of Nations took effect, initially ratified by 42 nations. This was a historic step toward global governance and international cooperation.
- The League’s First Members: The League’s Council began with four permanent members: the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Japan. These nations were responsible for directing the Assembly’s business and maintaining peace.
- Japan’s Defiance: In a dramatic turn of events, Japan defied the League of Nations in 1933 by refusing to withdraw from Manchuria and instead walked out of the League. This bold move highlighted the challenges of enforcing international decisions.
- Ethiopia’s Plea for Help: The League failed to act during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War despite a passionate appeal for help from Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I. This failure marked a significant blow to the League’s credibility.
- The League’s Demise: When World War II broke out in 1939, the League of Nations effectively shut down, signaling its inability to prevent global conflict and paving the way for the establishment of a more robust organization, the United Nations.
- Legacy of the League: Despite its shortcomings, the League of Nations laid the groundwork for the creation of the United Nations, providing valuable lessons and frameworks that the UN would later build upon to become a more effective international body.
Eligibility Requirements For 2025 United Nations Nippon Fellowship
Candidates wishing to be considered for a Fellowship award must ensure that they meet all the following criteria:
- You must be between the ages of 25 and 40;
- You must have successfully completed a first university degree, and demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent advanced academic research and study;
- You must be a mid-level professional from a national government organ of a developing State, or another governmental or non-governmental agency in such a State, which deals directly with ocean affairs issues, and your professional position must allow you to directly assist your nation in the formulation and/or implementation of policy in this area.
- You must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during the entire Fellowship period unless otherwise authorized by the Division.
Rewards For 2025 United Nations Nippon Fellowship
- Fellows will receive a stipend each month during their Fellowship, both during their time in New York and, for United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellows participating in the 9-month programme, during their time at the second phase host institution.
- Fellows will be provided with a return economy class air-ticket to travel from their home country to complete the Fellowship.
- In addition to the stipend, the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellows (the 9-month Programme) will be provided with a Book Allowance of US$100 per month for the phase two of the Fellowship ($600 altogether).
- For the period of the Fellowship, medical coverage is provided by Cigna Health Insurance.
How To Apply For 2025 United Nations Nippon Fellowship
To apply for the 2025 United Nations Nippon Fellowship, interested and qualified applicants should;
- Click on the button below to visit the fellowship website
- Select “Click here to apply now for the 2025 United Nations-Nippon Foundation Fellowship”
- Satisfaction of the above criteria must be clearly demonstrated by the candidate through the application forms and confirmed by a nominating authority.
- Women candidates are strongly invited to apply, with a view to achieve gender balance in the selection process.
- Deadline is 15 September.