5 June 2014: The UNFCCC Secretariat has announced a fellowship programme for young professionals from small island developing States (SIDS). In honor of the International Year of SIDS, two five-month fellowships will be awarded to individuals interested in climate adaptation and in the role of youth and gender in action on climate change.

The Secretariat announced the fellowships on 5 June 2014, to mark World Environment Day, and is accepting applications through 15 July 2014. Selected individuals will contribute to the UNFCCC Secretariat’s work on adaptation, youth and gender at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany. The Government of Norway is funding the fellowships.

The UN named 2014 the International Year of SIDS to celebrate SIDS’ vibrant cultural and ecological diversity. The Year also raises awareness about challenges faced by SIDS and their innovation and ingenuity in tackling those challenges. The UN Conference on SIDS, which will focus on partnerships for sustainable development, will take place from 1-4 September 2014, in Apia, Samoa. [UNFCCC Press Release] [International Year of SIDS Website]