Applications are open for the King’s Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowships, supporting mid-career professionals in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience. Fully funded one-year programme.
A Transformative Fellowship for Climate Leaders in Small Island Developing States
Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to stand on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, increasingly destructive storms, and fragile ecosystems pose profound economic, environmental, and social risks to communities across these island nations.
To strengthen the ability of these states to respond, adapt, and thrive despite the challenges, the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme Climate Resilience Fellowships—inspired by His Majesty King Charles III—has launched a powerful, fully funded professional development opportunity for mid-career practitioners working directly in climate adaptation.
This prestigious one-year fellowship is designed to equip professionals across civil society, the public sector, and the private sector with practical tools, high-level knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration opportunities that translate into near-immediate climate adaptation action in their home countries.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Fellowship aims to address some of the most urgent needs in SIDS by strengthening individual and institutional capacity in climate adaptation. It focuses on four core goals:
1. Building Technical and Leadership Capacity
Participants will develop practical skills to address current and emerging climate challenges, gaining knowledge that can be applied immediately in local contexts.
2. Supporting Collaborative Climate Solutions
The fellowship establishes a platform for testing and implementing adaptation strategies tailored to the realities of SIDS.
3. Creating a Global Network of Adaptation Practitioners
Fellows join an international community of experts dedicated to tackling climate risks through shared learning, innovation, and peer support.
4. Upholding Gender Equality, Inclusion & Local Knowledge
The programme intentionally integrates gender, equality, and indigenous perspectives into climate adaptation, ensuring inclusive and community-centred solutions.
What the Fellowship Offers
The King’s Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowship is fully funded and structured around an immersive, blended learning model. Fellows continue working in their existing roles while completing the programme, ensuring direct application of training into real-world scenarios.
Core Components
📘 1. An 18-Week Online Course (February – July 2026)
This interactive certified programme includes live workshops, assignments, and facilitated sessions across five flagship modules:
- Climate Literacy
- Inter-sectoral Collaboration
- Influencing Climate Policy
- Climate Finance
- Applied Problem-Solving
Participants will engage with expert mentors and global climate leaders.
🌍 2. Five-Day Residential in Fiji (August 2026)
Fellows will convene in Fiji for an intensive in-person training experience focused on hands-on climate adaptation practice, cross-sector collaboration, and solution prototyping tailored to SIDS.
📝 3. A Workplace-Based Applied Learning Project (August – December 2026)
Each fellow will design and implement a practical adaptation project within their organisation or community, supported by mentors and a Community of Practice.
🌐 4. Ongoing Virtual Community of Practice
This digital platform fosters collaboration, continuous learning, and shared problem-solving among fellows and alumni.
🎓 5. Progress Toward Formal Accreditation
The programme aims to award a Postgraduate Certificate, pending formal accreditation—adding further academic and professional value to the fellowship.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship targets mid-career professionals from SIDS who are actively involved in climate adaptation work.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have 5–15 years of climate adaptation–related experience
- Be citizens or refugees residing in an eligible SIDS
- Be currently employed in an organisation registered in an eligible country, with a contract valid until at least February 2027
- Plan to continue in increasingly responsible climate adaptation roles for the next 10–20 years
Eligible Countries
Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles
Asia: Maldives
Caribbean & Americas: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago
Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Why This Fellowship Is a Game-Changer
Participants will leave the programme equipped with:
- Advanced knowledge of climate adaptation science and policy
- Practical tools for resilience-building
- Skills to mobilise climate finance
- Enhanced ability to influence climate policy
- A global network of peers and mentors
- Real-world project experience
- Insights rooted in the lived experiences of SIDS communities
This fellowship is not simply training—it is a catalyst for action, leadership, and long-term resilience.
How to Apply
Applications are now open and close on:
🗓️ Deadline: 13:00 UTC, Wednesday 19 November 2025
Application Links
- If you work at an ACU member university:
👉 Apply directly via the ACU portal. - If you are not an ACU university employee:
👉 Create a MyACU account first, then submit your application.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the FAQs and application guidance before beginning the process.
Call to Action
Ready to Advance Climate Resilience in Your Country?
Become part of a global network committed to building a climate-secure future for Small Island Developing States.
👉 Apply Now for the King’s Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowship Programme
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