The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), in cooperation with the Nippon Foundation, offers a prestigious nine-month Capacity Building and Training Programme in Hamburg, Germany, starting July 2026. This programme is designed for junior to mid-level government officials and researchers from developing countries who are actively engaged in issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The programme provides a unique opportunity to develop legal skills and deepen practical knowledge in dispute settlement, maritime law, and international legal frameworks. Participants will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes lectures by Tribunal Judges, United Nations officials, academics, and practitioners. Topics covered include dispute settlement under UNCLOS, international organizations and the law of the sea, maritime security, environmental law, fisheries management, marine biodiversity, and climate change as it relates to the law of the sea.

Training sessions and workshops are integral to the programme, focusing on negotiation, mediation, legal drafting, and oral advocacy. Fellows will also participate in the Summer Academy of the International Foundation for the Law of the Sea and undertake study visits to leading international organizations and research institutes across Europe. Research is a core component, with participants conducting supervised legal research on topics relevant to their home institutions and presenting their findings to the Tribunal's Judges.

All costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance, are fully funded by the Nippon Foundation. The programme is conducted mainly in English, with some activities in French. Applicants must be aged 25–40, hold a first university degree in law, and be nominated by their government agency or research institute. Excellent proficiency in English or French and working knowledge of the other language are required. Application materials include a completed Fellowship Application Form, a Nomination Form from the applicant's institution, and, upon acceptance, medical and travel permission certificates.

For more information and to apply, visit the ITLOS website or contact [email protected]. The application deadline is March 6, 2026.