The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) launches the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) pathway for professionals: the Climate Resilience Fellowships.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) launches today the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) pathway for professionals: the Climate Resilience Fellowships.
The Programme, inspired by His Majesty King Charles III and his life’s work to create opportunity and to tackle contemporary challenges including climate change and inequality, has been developed in response to urgent economic, social and environmental development challenges affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Climate Resilience Fellowships are open to mid-career public service professionals, civil society stakeholders and private sector professionals working on the frontline of climate change in Commonwealth SIDS. The course will allow Fellows to:
- Enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding of climate resilience and broader environmental issues.
- Acquire the practical tools needed and respond to and build long resilience against current climate crises with near immediate effect.
- Collaborate, network and problem-solve with other Fellows via a virtual Community of Practice.
Applications are invited from professionals with 5-15 years of direct or related experience or equivalent in climate adaptation practice, working in the public and private sectors and civil societies who are committed to continuing in this field for another 10-20 years.
Professor Colin Riordan, ACU Secretary General and Chief Executive comments: ‘The KCFP Climate Resilience Fellowships represent a powerful investment in the future of climate resilience across Small Island Developing States. By equipping mid-career professionals with the tools, networks and knowledge to drive immediate and lasting change, the Fellowships honour His Majesty King Charles III’s commitment to sustainability and global collaboration. We are proud to deliver a programme that empowers those on the frontlines of climate adaptation to shape a more resilient and equitable future for their communities.’
Fellows will engage in a mixed method learning approach that includes online, project-based learning and a one-week residential experience guided by expert facilitators and mentors. The Fellows will join a broader network of ‘King’s Fellows’ and will gain access to an extensive academic and professional community. This will allow them to create lasting connections across the Commonwealth whilst developing their professional skills and combating climate change.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Innovation), Professor Gurmeet Singh, The University of the South Pacific (USP) comments: ‘The Climate Resilience Fellowships present a crucial opportunity for professionals in Small Island Developing States to harness their unique cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in addressing climate change. By integrating practical learning with regional collaboration, the Fellowships empower communities to develop innovative, locally-led solutions that honour our unique identities and foster immediate action, creating a resilient future for our islands, ecosystems, and way of life.’
The ACU is designing and delivering the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, bringing its decades of expertise managing international scholarship and fellowship schemes.
For further information including eligibility, application deadlines and how to apply, please visit our KCFP Climate Resilience Fellowships webpages.