In today's global context it is vital that all nations understand the international laws of the sea, and issues related to ocean affairs. In order to insure the shared global understanding of these laws, the United Nations and Nippon Foundation established a trust fund in 2004 to provide this specialized academic training for personnel from developing coastal nations.

The major objective of this training program is to provide advanced research opportunities in the field of ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related issues to government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing nations.

These professionals are then able to use these skills to assist their countries in formulating comprehensive ocean policy and in implementing the legal framework set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The training for participants accepted into this program is guided by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. The program is structured into two parts: 1) a six-month academic research and study phase, and then, 2) a three month practicum phase.

The fellows undertake the first phase in an academic host institution under the direct supervision of a faculty member of that institution. This faculty member is a recognized academic expert in the fellow's chosen field of research and study. The supervisor ensures that the fellow develops and implements an advanced academic research and study program, and facilitates the fellow's participation in any relevant courses, seminars, conferences, and meetings to allow the fellow to take full advantage of the academic setting.

The second phase of the program, which lasts three months, is normally hosted by the United Nations in New York under the auspices of DOALOS. In New York, the fellows are introduced to the work of DOALOS, and the intergovernmental processes related to ocean affairs and the law of the sea. They also have access to the DOALOS specialized library, and have the opportunity to discuss issues with UN staff and external experts who are working on matters of relevance to their research. Upon completion of their programs, fellows must submit an academic thesis involving the topic which they have researched during their programs. The program selection committee has awarded ten fellowships for each academic year since the establishment of the program in 2004.