The Programme is named after the late Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who was known for his commitment to furthering development. It grants a total of 20 fellowships a year to researchers in four areas: environment, intercultural dialogue, information and communication technologies, and peaceful conflict resolution.

UNESCO Director General Koïchiro Matsuura has written to UNESCO National Commissions, Permanent Delegations to UNESCO and to the Organization’s regional offices asking them to invite young researchers to apply for the fellowships through their country’s National Commission. The deadline for applications to arrive at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris has been set for January 14, 2005. This will be the fifth time that the fellowships are awarded since the launch of the Programme in 2001.

A maximum of two researchers, no older than 40, will be chosen by each National Commission. A selection committee made up of experts in the four study areas will then examine the applications and make preliminary recommendations to the Director-General.