24 September 2026: Information Session on the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

 
On 24 September, an online information session on the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, also known as the Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, was organized by UNESCO’s Priority Africa and External Relations Sector.
 
The Fellowship Programme provides young researchers from Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Ukraine and Türkiye with opportunities to conduct research for a period of three to nine months at universities and research institutions in Japan. Since its establishment in 2001, the Programme has supported 291 young researchers from 101 countries. In the 2026 cycle, ten young researchers will be selected for the fellowships.
 
At the opening of the information session, Ms Anna Paolini, Director for Field Coordination, highlighted the Fellowship Programme’s contribution to strengthening the capacities of young researchers and promoting international knowledge exchange, and expressed her hope that many talented and motivated young researchers from eligible countries would apply.
 
Following the opening remarks, a former Fellow shared her experience of the Fellowship and reflected on how it had contributed to her subsequent career. The UNESCO Secretariat then provided an overview of the eligibility requirements, research areas and application process, followed by a question-and-answer session.
 
In closing, Ambassador Kano noted that the Fellowship Programme continues to carry forward former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi’s vision of investing in people, and expressed his hope that exchanges through the Programme would contribute to greater international cooperation and mutual understanding.
 
For further information on the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, please visit the UNESCO website below:
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme