EJN Reporting Fellowships for Climate Change and Private Sector Stories in Bangladesh

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering reporting fellowships to journalists in Bangladesh to produce in-depth stories. These fellowships focus on the critical intersection of climate change and the private sector within Bangladesh. Selected journalists will receive funding and mentorship to develop impactful reports that explore the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change in the country’s business landscape. This initiative aims to bring greater attention to how businesses are affected by climate change and how they can contribute to solutions.

Understanding the Fellowship’s Focus Areas

The EJN Reporting Fellowships are designed to encourage detailed reporting on several key aspects of climate change and the private sector in Bangladesh. Applicants are encouraged to pitch stories that explore the direct impacts of climate change on businesses, examining how weather patterns and environmental shifts affect operations and profitability. Equally important is understanding what actions the private sector is currently taking to address these impacts and contribute to climate solutions.

The fellowship also welcomes pitches that delve into the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rules. These rules are becoming increasingly important for businesses worldwide, and their application and effectiveness in Bangladesh are a key area of interest. Furthermore, the program seeks reports on climate finance instruments, such as carbon markets, and how these financial tools can support climate action within the private sector.

Emerging business opportunities related to climate change are also a focus. This includes areas like renewable energy development and the growth of clean mobility solutions. Finally, the fellowships encourage reporting on the impacts of artificial intelligence development on both climate issues and the private sector, as well as investigations into corporate greenwashing.

Fellowship Details and Eligibility Requirements

Selected fellows will receive a grant of 1,500 EUR to cover necessary reporting expenses, including travel and accommodation. This funding is intended to support journalists in conducting thorough research and fieldwork. The fellowships are specifically open to applicants from Bangladesh only. Groups of journalists are welcome to apply, but one lead applicant must be designated to manage communication and receive fellowship funds.

Applications can be submitted in either English or Bangla. The program is open to journalists working across all media platforms, including online, print, television, and radio. Professional reporters with experience in business and climate change issues are encouraged to apply, whether they are early-career journalists or seasoned professionals. Freelancers and staff from international, national, local, and community-based media organizations are all eligible. Applicants must be transparent about their use of generative AI tools in their proposals, as submitting AI-generated content as their own may lead to disqualification.

Criteria for Selecting Fellowship Proposals

When developing their proposals, applicants should consider several selection criteria to increase their chances of being chosen. The relevance of the story to the fellowship’s objectives is paramount; proposals must clearly define why the story matters and to whom it is important, outlining the main idea, context, and value to the target audience. A fresh angle or new insights into a topic that may have already received some coverage will be highly valued.

The potential reach of the proposed media outlet is also a key consideration. Journalists whose work typically appears behind paywalls are encouraged to secure commitments from additional outlets to ensure their EJN-supported report is accessible to a wider audience. Alternatively, they can request an exception to ensure broad accessibility. The impact of the proposed report is crucial; compelling narratives or investigative elements that can inform, engage, spark debate, and encourage action are strongly preferred.

Innovative storytelling approaches, including the use of multimedia and data visualization, will be seen as a significant advantage. Finally, applicants must demonstrate a clear plan for timely publication. Journalists, whether freelance or employed, will need to provide a letter of support from an editor confirming a commitment to publish or broadcast the reports by September 30, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions