Climate change and inequality

Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable countries in the world, facing numerous economic and environmental shocks, youth out-migration and skills shortages in public services, and experiencing disproportionate and deeply damaging effects of climate change.

The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP), 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 these urgent economic, social and environmental development challenges affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

KCFP is an ambitious interdisciplinary three-part initiative that will offer fellowships for mid-career public service professionals, undergraduate scholarships, and PhDs. Delivered together, these three strands will enable sustained short, medium and long-term impact for Commonwealth SIDS and their communities.

A brighter future

“I am delighted to support this important new initiative. Throughout my life I have believed in the power of education to improve lives and unite communities across the Commonwealth and beyond. There is so much we can learn from one another as we work together within the Commonwealth to tackle the major challenges of our age and, as these Fellowships do in Small Island Developing States, to address them where they are felt most acutely. It is my fervent hope that these new Fellowships will play a significant role in furthering the free exchange of knowledge and advancing the spirit of mutual support that lies at the heart of our Commonwealth - today, tomorrow and towards a brighter future for all.”

His Majesty King Charles III

Head of the Commonwealth and ACU Patron

Activities included in the programme will take place in-country, with an emphasis on local impact and retaining skills and talent in SIDS regions. The programme aims to strengthen climate resilience, build capacity in education, health and engineering, and develop resilient public services and the skills of those who support them.

KCFP Climate Resilience Fellowships

Supporting mid-career public service professionals working on the frontline of climate change to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of climate resilience and broader environmental issues. They will acquire practical tools to respond to and build long term resilience against current climate crises with near-immediate effect.

A one-year course alongside working, via online self-directed but supervised asynchronous learning and ‘book-ended’ by in-person modules, supported by online cohort events.

Access to a virtual Community of Practice for networking, shared problem-solving and information exchange. It will also offer a repository for knowledge developed through the programme.

The new programme was officially launched by the King at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, as part of his current Royal Tour of Australia and Samoa with Queen Camilla.

Interim Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global) Professor Chris Whitehead said:

"Addressing the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States has been a focus of Newcastle University’s activity over many years. We are therefore delighted to be part of KCFP as part of our commitment to capacity-building and strengthening resilience in countries where the interlinked effects of social and environmental changes are most acute."

Applications are due to open in late 2025.

Press release adapted with thanks to the Association of Commonwealth Universities