Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
Applications are open for the COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship, designed to support journalists from low- and middle-income countries to cover the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). The fellowship enables in-depth reporting on global climate negotiations, UNFCCC processes, and related climate policy issues, with structured editorial, logistical, and training support.
The programme aims to strengthen climate journalism by improving access to COP proceedings and enhancing public understanding of international climate decision-making.
Overview
The fellowship supports professional journalists in producing high-quality reporting on COP31 and related climate negotiations. It focuses on increasing coverage of UN climate processes and ensuring that perspectives from low- and middle-income countries are represented in global climate discourse.
Selected fellows receive access to mentorship, expert briefings, and editorial guidance, along with financial and logistical support for in-person participation or virtual reporting.
Programme Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Improve coverage of UNFCCC COP negotiations
- Strengthen climate and environmental journalism in low- and middle-income countries
- Enhance public understanding of global climate policy outcomes
- Support original, in-depth reporting on COP31 themes
- Promote diverse geographic and media representation in climate reporting
- Facilitate access to expert insights and negotiation processes
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be professional journalists working with established media organisations
- Be based in low- and middle-income countries
- Have strong English proficiency
- Have prior experience in climate or environmental reporting
- Have never previously attended a UNFCCC COP (in any capacity, including fellowships)
- Provide clear and feasible COP31 reporting story ideas
Freelance journalists may apply if they can provide:
- Editorial confirmation from a media outlet agreeing to publish or broadcast their work
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Recent samples of published climate or environmental journalism
- Short video pitch outlining COP31 reporting plans
- Letter of support from an editor or media supervisor confirming publication or broadcast arrangements
Fellowship Support and Benefits
In-person Fellows receive:
- Economy-class airfare (non-refundable tickets)
- Accommodation during COP31
- Meals and local transportation related to fellowship activities
- Travel medical insurance
- Visa cost reimbursement (application process remains applicant responsibility)
- Stipend for incidental expenses
Virtual Fellows receive:
- Communications stipend for internet connectivity
- Access to mentorship and editorial support
All Fellows receive:
- Training sessions with experienced climate journalists
- Mentorship throughout the fellowship period
- Access to COP31 briefings and expert interviews
- Networking opportunities with global climate journalists and experts
- Editorial guidance for reporting outputs
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Professional experience in climate or environmental journalism
- Quality and originality of proposed COP31 story ideas
- Strength of previous published work
- Level of editorial support from media organisations
- Geographic and media diversity considerations
Programme Expectations
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Actively participate in all fellowship activities
- Produce high-quality reporting during the fellowship period
- Engage with COP31 sessions and expert briefings
- Deliver assigned or proposed story outputs within timelines
- Maintain professional reporting standards aligned with editorial guidance
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you:
- Are a professional journalist from a low- or middle-income country
- Have not previously attended a UNFCCC COP
- Meet experience and language requirements
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Compile:
- CV
- Published climate/environment reporting samples
- Video pitch outlining COP31 coverage plan
- Editorial support letter (or confirmation for freelancers)
Step 3: Develop Story Ideas
Prepare:
- Clear COP31 reporting themes
- Focus on climate negotiations or policy outcomes
- Relevance to your country or region
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit all required documents through the official fellowship application process.
Tips for Applicants
- Present clear, original, and policy-relevant COP31 story ideas.
- Demonstrate strong prior reporting in climate or environmental topics.
- Ensure editorial support is clearly documented.
- Highlight regional perspectives and underreported climate issues.
- Show how COP31 coverage will benefit your audience.
- Keep video pitch concise, structured, and focused on reporting value.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Global climate negotiations at COP31 shape international climate policy and financing frameworks. However, coverage of these processes is often limited in many low- and middle-income countries. This fellowship strengthens journalistic capacity, improves access to negotiations, and ensures more inclusive and informed reporting on climate decision-making worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the fellowship?
- Professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries working with established media organisations.
- Can I apply if I have attended a COP before?
- No. Applicants must not have previously attended a UNFCCC COP in any capacity.
- What is required in the application?
- CV
- Published climate journalism samples
- Video pitch
- Editorial support letter
- What support do in-person fellows receive?
- Travel, accommodation, meals, insurance, local transport, visa reimbursement, and a stipend for incidental costs.
- Do virtual fellows receive funding?
- Yes, they receive a communications stipend for internet access.
- What is the selection based on?
- Journalism experience, story quality, editorial support, and geographic diversity.
- Is English proficiency required?
- Yes, strong English proficiency is required for participation.
Conclusion
The COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship enables journalists from low- and middle-income countries to report directly on global climate negotiations. By combining financial support, mentorship, and access to COP processes, the programme strengthens climate journalism capacity and promotes more inclusive, high-quality coverage of international climate policy decisions.
For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.
