UNNF Alumni
With the continued generous support of the Nippon Foundation, an Alumni Programme was established, which started in 2009.
The objective of the Alumni Programme, through annual meetings and other activities, is to provide former Fellows with continuing knowledge development and networking events, as well as opportunities to participate as Alumni in various high-profile external events.
The Alumni Programme also allows for the participation of the Fellowship Academic Co-supervisors in many of these activities.
Alumni Representatives are the primary point of contact between the Alumni and the Programme, while on-going communications are also maintained directly with all Alumni.
This Alumni Video, developed as part of the Alumni activities surrounding the first United Nations Ocean Conference held in 2017, provides an overview from Alumni around the world of their contributions to promoting effective ocean governance and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, and the instrumental role played by the UNNF Fellowship Programmes in enabling those contributions (mp.4 ).
UNNF and Critical Needs Fellows with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel, Mr Miguel de Serpa Soares, and staff of the Division, 2019. Photo: UN/DOALOS
UNNF Alumni at the SDG Action Zone, United Nations Headquarters, 2019. Photo: UN/DOALOS
Reports of Annual Meetings and Activities
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2021: Virtual activities
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Programme Alumni Network
2021 Virtual Training Series
Building on the success of the 2020 Virtual Training Series, the UNNF Alumni were given the opportunity to continue their professional development despite the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.Tailored virtual seminars and interactive sessions were organized as an alternative to in-person activities, focusing on the topics identified by the Alumni as most immediately relevant to their day-to-day work. These online activities provided a platform for participants strengthen their knowledge on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, gain valuable insights from experts in the field and other Alumni, engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- 2021 Virtual Training Series. Report available here.
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2020: Virtual activities
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Programme Alumni Network
2020 Virtual Training Series
The UNNF Alumni were provided with the opportunity to participate in a series of seminars, training activities and interactive discussions, all of which were delivered in a virtual format due to the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that made it unfeasible to implement capacity-building activities in person. Through this Training Series, the Alumni had the chance to refresh their knowledge on key topics in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, as well as to stay up to date with current developments, including in relation to the impacts and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential solutions offered by the ocean sectors. After successfully completing all necessary requirements, the Alumni were able to obtain the UNNF Training Certificate on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea – Impacts and Solutions in the Age of COVID-19; and/or the UNNF Training Certificate on the Law of the Sea.
- 2020 Virtual Training Series
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme
Alumni Meeting held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA
The Twelfth Meeting of the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Alumni was held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 23 to 27 September 2019. It was held in parallel with the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit.
The objective of the 2019 Alumni Meeting was to provide participants with an opportunity to engage in discussions relating to the nexus between oceans and climate change, to participate in events organized around the Climate Action Summit 2019, and to meet with recognized climate and ocean experts and professionals. Organizing the Meeting in parallel with the Climate Action Summit provided an opportunity to capitalize on the possibility it offered for the Alumni to be introduced to current issues surrounding climate change, and to engage in action-oriented discussions pertaining to climate and oceans. During the Meeting, the Alumni participated in a wide array of events held during the High-level week of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, including at the Explorers Club and as part of the SDG Action Zone at United Nations Headquarters. Alumni also participated in a variety of other events and working sessions at DOALOS during the Meeting.
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme
Alumni Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya
The Eleventh Meeting of the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Alumni was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 26 to 28 November 2018.
The Alumni Meeting was held in conjunction with the Sustainable Blue Conference, at which a number of Alumni made presentations. In addition, a Side-Event to the Conference was organized, on the topic of ‘Unlocking the Potential of an Inclusive Blue Economy: Gender and Capacity Imperatives’.
The Alumni participating in the Meeting had the opportunity to discuss ways in which the full potential of the Blue Economy may be harnessed, to understand the importance of capacity-building programmes and gender perspectives, and to share knowledge and approaches.
- Report of the meeting with links to presentations
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme
Alumni Meeting held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA
The Tenth Meeting of the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Alumni was held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 6 to 8 June 2017.
The Alumni Meeting was held in conjunction with the High-level United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the Ocean Conference).
The Alumni participating in the Meeting had the opportunity to observe parts of the programme of activities of the Ocean Conference, as well as dedicated sessions organized for the Alumni, including the presentation and launch of the new United Nations –Nippon Foundation “Sustainable Ocean Programme - building capacities to reinforce ocean governance for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals”.
- Video prepared by the Alumni
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme
Alumni Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia
The Ninth Meeting of the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Alumni was held in Bali, Indonesia, from 28 November to 1 December 2016.
The Alumni Meeting focused on Maritime Southeast Asia and South Asia: Mapping Opportunities and Challenges.
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme
Alumni Meeting held in Lomé, Togo
The Eighth Meeting of the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Alumni was held in Lomé, Togo, from 10 to 15 October 2016.
The Alumni Meeting was held in conjunction with the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa. The Alumni participated in a number of events in the context of the agenda of the Conference, as well as in training sessions and discussions organized specifically for the Alumni.
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme
Alumni Meeting for the Latin America and Caribbean Region
The Latin America and Caribbean Region Alumni meeting was held in Cancun, Mexico, from 5-9 of October 2015, for 5 days of intensive lectures and discussions with the following objectives:
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Reinforce the understanding of and facilitate an exchange of experience amongst practitioners in the region on the critical topic of oceans and climate change and ocean acidification;
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Facilitate exchanges with representatives of the United Nations, Fellowship Programme co-supervisors from the Programme’s Host Institutions, as well as other subject-matter experts;
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Reinforce the network of Alumni/professionals and experts to discuss/identify areas in which they can provide on-going support to each other.
This event was organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, and the Government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Comision Nacional del Areas Naturales Protegidas (CONAMP).
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Global Alumni Meeting 2014
2014 marks the celebration of two important events:
The 10th anniversary of the Fellowship Programme and 100 Fellows; and The 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
To mark those events, the Sixth United Nations-Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Fellowship Alumni meeting was held in Tokyo, Japan, 28 November to 3 December 2014, with a view to offer the alumni the opportunity to, in particular:
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Meet as a group and with the representatives of The Nippon Foundation of Japan to celebrate these important events;
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Contribute to knowledge on emergent issues relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea and effective ocean governance; and
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Identify national/regional needs relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea and effective ocean governance and the programmes of work/activities that the Alumni Network can engage into to address those needs.
The participation at this meeting of 80 alumni from the Global Alumni Network made it unique and guaranteed its success.
Participants included: Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel; Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation; Ms. Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, DOALOS Director; and representatives of the Programme Academic Partners.
- Programme of the meeting and links to speeches and presentations
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Pacific Islands States Alumni Meeting
The Pacific Islands States Alumni meeting was held in Suva, the Republic of Fiji, from 14-18 of October 2013 for 5 days of intensive lectures and discussions on the following topics:
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Current State of Ocean Affairs in the Pacific Islands Region
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Delimitation and Delineation of Maritime Boundaries and Management of Non-living Resources
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Climate Change and Fisheries
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Biodiversity
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Technical Cooperation and Capacity Development
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Capacity Gaps
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Pacific Regional Development and Cooperation in Ocean Affairs
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The UN-NF Alumni Network’s Contribution to Pacific Regional Development and Cooperation in Ocean Affairs.
This event was co-organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs, the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum and The Nippon Foundation of Japan.
- Alumni Report on Meeting is available here
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Regional Representative and Alumni Network Meeting
The Fourth United Nations-Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Fellowship Alumni meeting was held at the Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (DOALOS),
United Nations (UN) in New York from 10 to 12 December 2012.
This alumni meeting coincided with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS opened for signature on 10 December 1982 and has 164 parties to date. The UNNF alumni had the opportunity to attend this significant commemorative event held in the UN General Assembly Hall. Broad participation at this meeting, which comprised 28 marine professionals worldwide, made it unique. Participants comprised fellowship programme advisor, alumni representative, deputy representative and eight regional representatives. Participation also included the website team from the alumni, eight current fellows, an international consultant and five resource people from partner institutions.
- Alumni Report on Meeting is available here
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme African Alumni Meeting
The African Region Alumni gathered in Nairobi from 10-15 of July 2011 for 5 days of intensive lectures and discussions on the following topics:
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maritime boundary delimitation and delineation (methods, tools and negotiation)
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maritime security and piracy
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ecosystem-based fisheries management
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ocean governance (legal, political and institutional)
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professional skills development (communications, leadership and teambuilding).
The alumni were also provided with opportunities to discuss amongst themselves their needs and expectations with respect to the Alumni Network, and to begin developing joint activities for the region and in cooperation with the Global Alumni Network.
Meeting photos and presentations are posted on the Alumni website and the Alumni Facebook Group.
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Latin America – Caribbean Alumni Meeting
The meeting, which brought together the Alumni of the Latin America – Caribbean Region was held in Barbados from 17-22 May 2010 with several Fellowship Programme academic co‑supervisors on the occasion of the regional “Law of the Sea and Principled Ocean Governance” (PROGOVNET) training module, at the University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus.
This event was co-organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs and the University of the West Indies, Dalhousie University, the International Ocean Institute and The Nippon Foundation of Japan.
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Asia-Pacific Alumni Meeting
The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations and the Nippon Foundation of Japan are pleased to announce that the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Asia-Pacific Alumni meeting was held in Tokyo (Japan) from 13-16 April 2009.
The meeting brought together 16 Alumni of the Asia-Pacific region with 3 Fellowship Programme academic co‑supervisors, several Japanese Government officials and scholars from the University of Tokyo, as well as Foundation researchers, staff and special guests.
A special segment on the Japanese Basic Ocean Law was co-organized by the Ocean Policy and Research Foundation.
The meeting was opened by Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation at the Foundation Headquarters in Tokyo.
The meeting closed with a day-long session on the future activities and organization of the Alumni Network.
UNNF Alumni Meeting 2019, New York. Photo: UN/DOALOS