EJN COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship for Journalists 2026

The EJN COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for journalists and creator journalists from low- and middle-income countries to cover the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31). This fellowship, led by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, aims to empower journalists to report on critical climate negotiations for their home audiences. The conference is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9-20, 2026.

This program, now in its 19th year, has a proven track record of supporting over 550 journalists in attending and covering the UN climate talks. It provides valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of global climate change responses. For the first time, the fellowship is expanding its reach to include independent creator journalists who use digital platforms to deliver climate-related content.

Fellowship Benefits and Support

Selected fellows will receive comprehensive support to ensure they can effectively cover COP31. This includes operational and logistical assistance, such as non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel medical insurance. Ground transportation costs related to the fellowship will also be covered. While fellows are responsible for obtaining necessary visas, the CCMP will reimburse these costs.

Accommodation will be arranged in single occupancy rooms where possible, though applicants should be prepared for the possibility of shared housing. A small stipend will be provided to offset meal and other incidental expenses.

Fellows will benefit from extensive reporting resources and editorial guidance from experienced EJN trainers who specialize in covering UN climate summits. Prior to COP31, participants will receive informational materials and technical support, including a virtual workshop. Once in Antalya, an in-person orientation will cover key issues and provide opportunities for discussions with mentors. Daily briefings and access to a dedicated information board will further support reporting efforts.

The fellowship also includes opportunities for interviews with high-level officials and subject matter experts, as well as networking events with fellow journalists and cohort-building activities. Selected fellows may even be invited to speak or moderate at official and unofficial side events during the summit.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the EJN COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship, applicants must meet several criteria. They should be professional journalists from or representing an established media house in an eligible country. A key requirement is that applicants must not have attended a UNFCCC climate COP in person before, whether self-funded or through a fellowship.

Applicants must be available and willing to travel to Antalya, Türkiye, for the full two weeks of COP31. A good command of the English language is necessary, as is previous experience reporting on climate change issues. Applicants should clearly outline the types of stories they intend to pursue during the conference.

Commitment to participating in all fellowship activities is essential. Applicants must submit an up-to-date resume or CV and a video, no longer than two minutes, explaining their planned reporting at COP31. A letter of support from an editor, producer, or supervisor is required, confirming that the produced reports will be published or broadcast by an established media outlet. Freelancers need a signed letter from a media outlet that commits to publishing their work from the fellowship.

Finally, applicants must provide at least three recent, relevant journalistic work samples on climate change topics published between May 15, 2025, and June 15, 2026. These samples can be documents or web links. Stories should focus on specific climate change issues relevant to the applicant’s country; broad or general stories will be less competitive. While stories can be in any language, they must include a short English synopsis.

Judging Criteria for Applicants

The selection committee will be looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong background in covering climate change, climate policy, and related environmental topics. A clear, specific, and detailed coverage plan for COP31, including potential story ideas, is highly valued. Applicants should also be able to provide an estimated number of stories they plan to produce during the fellowship.

A crucial aspect of the evaluation is the applicant’s relationship with an established media house and a signed letter of support from an editor who agrees to publish or broadcast the work produced at the COP. This ensures that the reporting will reach a wider audience and contribute to public understanding of climate change issues. The quality and relevance of the submitted work samples will also play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Frequently Asked Questions