Lisbon Hosts the Second Edition of the UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship to Advance Global Marine Governance
Portugal reaffirmed its leadership in ocean sustainability as it hosted the 2nd edition of the Portugal-UN Ocean Fellowship, a capacity-building programme held in Lisbon from October 20 to 24, 2025. The initiative, co-organized by the Government of Portugal, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Oceano Azul Foundation, is designed to empower senior policymakers from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other developing nations with advanced knowledge and tools for sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy.
Empowering policymakers to implement SDG 14
The programme provided fellows with an interdisciplinary curriculum, which integrated marine conservation, ocean governance, continental shelf regimes, and blue economy strategies. Portuguese experts and institutions provided technical sessions and policy simulations, showcasing the nation’s expertise in ocean science and maritime law. This effort aligns with Portugal’s broader commitment to SDG 14: Life Below Water.
This year’s edition included representatives from 30 Member States, including many representatives from SIDS, who are among the countries most vulnerable to sea-level rise, the loss of marine biodiversity and the economic impacts of climate change, while also facing difficulties in the sustainable management of their ocean resources.
“The United Nations-Portugal Ocean Fellowship represents a decisive step in empowering leaders from countries most vulnerable to climate change and in accelerating global action to protect the ocean, promoting a coherent international agenda in which these States have a voice that is heard”, said Tiago Pitta e Cunha, CEO of the Oceano Azul Foundation.
The first edition of this Fellowship, held in October 2024, had brought together 21 participants from 21 countries.
Global Impact
By hosting this program, Portugal positioned itself as a bridge between continents, fostering cooperation among nations and reinforcing its role as a champion of ocean diplomacy. The fellowship also served as a platform for advancing commitments made during UNOC3 in Nice and preparing for future global ocean governance initiatives.
