28 April 2016: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-Institute for Water Education (IHE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands jointly launched a fellowship project to strengthen the capacity of decision makers and other professionals to improve water management and climate change adaptation in small island developing States (SIDS). The project will build individual capacity to address climate, water and other challenges through educational and training opportunities. UNESCO-IHE is the largest international graduate water education facility in the world.

The ‘Strengthening Small Island Developing States’ project will provide over 20 water professionals with a Masters-level education on relevant topics for SIDS. The 18-month MSc programme will include 12 months of coursework in Delft, the Netherlands, and six months of field-based research on specific problems in the participant’s home country. In addition, over 50 water professionals will participate in three-week courses on related topics during 2016 and 2017.

Candidates from SIDS countries must apply by 1 July 2016 for the Masters programme. Short course deadlines are: 15 June 2016; 12 October 2016; and 3 January 2017. [SIDS Fellowship Information] [SIDS Fellowship Flyer] [UNESCO-IHE Website]