Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026

Deadline: February 15, 2026

Description of the Opportunity

Applications are now open for the Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026. The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF), developed by Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, is an annual program dedicated to empowering the next generation of ocean conservation and climate leaders by equipping 40 early-career delegates each year with critical tactical skills, leadership opportunities, and high-level networks necessary to advance impactful initiatives.

OLF is designed to cultivate belonging, activate collective power, and build lifetime leadership capacity, so Fellows can bridge local knowledge and global decision-making with confidence and integrity. The program curriculum includes skill development workshops, access to mentors, collaboration opportunities with peers, and a special opportunity to travel and participate in an international conference and leadership institute in June 2026.

The Fellowship Experience

The Fellowship runs from March 26th to December 5th 2026, and combines weekly virtual programming with an immersive in-person institute. OLF supports young ocean leaders who are already organizing, leading teams, and influencing systems, and want to deepen their impact.

Benefits

Fellows will:

• Work in peer leadership pods (4–5 Fellows) that form the backbone of belonging and accountability;
• Participate in dialogue-based learning, coaching, and office hours;
• Practice leadership skills in real high-stakes policy contexts;
• Build trust, confidence, and clarity as leaders in complex systems;
• The Fellowship covers visa expenses, travel, accommodation, and food required for the Fellowship’s international programming during June 9 – June 19 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be 18–35 as of June 20, 2026;
• Work in ocean or climate action (with a strong interest in 30×30);
• Align with one of SOA’s five Ocean Impact Areas;
• Have C1 English proficiency;
• Be available for international travel the entire dates of June 9-19th 2026;
• Not have previously attended OOC or UNOC Youth forums.

For more information, please visit Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026

Apply here or nominate a Young Leader today