This FAQ answers the most common questions about the program and application process. It will be updated regularly as we receive additional questions. 

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Last updated: 20 January 2026

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1) What is the SEA Coastal Leaders Program? Who supports it? 

It is a six-month leadership cohort for 12 grassroots coastal leaders from Southeast Asia, linked to the 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. You will join workshops, receive one-to-one mentorship, travel as part of a cohort, and co-create follow-up advocacy plans.

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This program is delivered by Market Edge as an initiative of the COAST Facility - Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition. Funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and implemented by DAI Global and a consortium of international organizations. COAST Facility supports coastal communities to build climate resilience and strengthen livelihoods through sustainable ocean and coastal governance. DAI is an international development organization that manages programs with governments, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen systems and improve lives.

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2) What is the Our Ocean Conference?

The Our Ocean Conference is the world’s leading global platform for accelerating action on ocean protection and sustainable use. It brings together government leaders, ministers, global NGOs, scientists, private sector leaders, financiers, youth leaders, and coastal innovators to turn commitments into real impact. Since its launch, the conference has generated thousands of concrete commitments worth billions of dollars, driving progress on marine protection, sustainable fisheries, climate action, and blue economy solutions. Attending Our Ocean Conference is about being in the room where decisions are made, partnerships are formed, and ideas are translated into action at a global scale.

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3) Why is this program happening now?

Ocean and coastal decisions are moving fast, but coastal communities are often left out. This program supports local leaders to bring lived experience into regional and global spaces, then return home with stronger networks and practical follow-up plans.

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4) What will I receive if selected?

You will receive: (1) cohort workshops and one-to-one mentorship, (2) sponsored travel (flights, lodging, transportation, visa costs) and supported participation in Kenya, and (3) follow-up support to co-create advocacy plans and continue working as a regional network.

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5) What makes this program different from a normal conference invitation?

This isn’t just about attending the world's largest conference on ocean issues. You’ll join a cohort that builds skills and prepares together before the event, receives hands-on support on the ground in Kenya, and continues working together afterward through action planning, follow-up collaboration, and ongoing peer connections.

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6) Who can apply?

You can apply if you are a grassroots coastal leader living and working in the Southeast Asia region, with strong community ties and at least three years of relevant experience. Applicants cannot be current government employees.

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7) What kinds of leaders are you looking for?

We are looking for trusted coastal leaders working with small-scale fishers, indigenous or customary groups, women-led or youth-led groups, or community-based innovators, with proven impact and the ability to represent community voices.

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8) Do I need perfect English?

No. You need conversational English for group discussions, networking, and pre-program sessions. Interpretation will be limited, so you should be comfortable speaking and understanding basic conversation in English.

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9) What themes or issues should my work relate to?

Your work should connect to real coastal challenges such as marine protection and fair access, sustainable coastal livelihoods, climate resilience and nature-based solutions, or sustainable fisheries and fighting illegal or destructive fishing.

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10) What is the time commitment?

Expect 4–6 virtual sessions before the conference, 5–8 days in Kenya including travel, and follow-up planning and actions after you return.

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11) What costs are covered?

Selected participants receive funded support for travel, accommodation, and program activities connected to the cohort and conference participation.

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12) What documents do I need for travel?

You need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the conference, and you must be legally able to travel to Kenya. If you are not ready yet, apply early and be transparent about your timeline. If you have questions or are not sure, please contact Pinchai at Pinchai@marketedgeglobal.com. 

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13) How do I apply, and what will the application ask?

You will apply through an online form on the MarketEdge website that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The form is designed to focus on your role, your work, your impact, and your potential to engage, not proposal-writing skills. Please click here. 

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14) How will selection work?

MarketEdge will check eligibility first, then eligible applications will be scored by reviewers. A small selection committee (COAST staff, MarketEdge, and country representatives) will choose the final 12 delegates. Please see the program website for more information. 

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15) What criteria are used to choose among eligible applicants?

Selection looks at: (1) fit with conference and COAST themes, (2) potential to contribute and create impact, and (3) leadership and collaboration experience. Applicants are also assessed on having a feasible plan to apply learning after returning home. Please see the program website​ for more details. 

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16) What support will I get in Kenya?

You will travel as part of a cohort and receive hands-on support including logistics coordination, daily mentoring, and facilitated opportunities to engage in sessions and meetings. The program also includes cohort events and a Southeast Asia–Africa exchange session.

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17) What happens after Kenya?

After the conference, the cohort will co-create a regional advocacy roadmap and communications materials, then join a virtual follow-up session to validate plans and identify priority next steps. MarketEdge can also help facilitate key introductions made during the conference.

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18) When are applications due and when will results be announced?

Dates will be confirmed on the application page. The current plan is: launch in early January 2026, applications close mid-February, and final selection in early March 2026. Please see the program website​ for key dates. 

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19) Where do I apply or ask questions?

Apply at marketedgeglobal.com (link will be posted on the program page). If you still have questions after reading the program page, contact Pinchai at pinchai@marketedgeglobal.com.

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20) Can I suggest or nominate an individual or organization?

Yes. We welcome nominations and referrals. Please encourage the person or organization to apply directly using the application link provided. If you want support, you can contact our team (pinchai@marketedgeglobal.com) and we can share more information with your nominee.

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21) When is the applicant webinar and how do I register for it? 

The applicant webinar will be on Wednesday, February 11,2026 at 10:00 AM Bangkok Time.  A recorded version will be uploaded to this site afterwards.  Please click here to register for the webinar.