The Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), led by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, is pleased to announce the CCMP COP28 Reporting Fellowship Program for journalists interested in covering the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28). Hosted this year by the United Arab Emirates, the conference is scheduled to take place in the city of Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
Now in its 16th iteration since its launch in 2007, the CCMP has brought more than 400 journalists from low- and middle-income countries to attend and report on the annual UN climate talks. This has enabled journalists from around the world to cover the climate negotiations for their home audiences while benefiting from working alongside knowledgeable media trainers and gaining a multifaceted understanding of the actions countries are taking — or not taking — to address climate change’s global impact.
This year, the CCMP Reporting Fellowship aims to bring up to 20 journalists from low- and middle-income countries to report in person at COP28.
In addition, CCMP organizers will award 10 virtual fellowships this year, with spots for up to five journalists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and up to five from the Lower Mekong region in two separate cohorts. Each cohort will have a dedicated media trainer supporting them from the ground in Dubai. In the application, journalists will be asked to indicate which Fellowship track they are most interested in.
Internews developed the Earth Journalism Network to enable journalists from developing countries to cover the environment more effectively. We are now a truly global network with around 14,000 members from 180 countries. To improve the quantity and quality of environmental reporting, we offer workshops and training materials, develop innovative environmental news sites, offer Fellowship programs and small reporting grants, establish and build up networks of environmental journalists and support local news production — including ground-breaking investigative reports.
The Stanley Center for Peace and Security is a private operating foundation based in Muscatine, Iowa, with projects and partnerships that span the globe. They believe inclusive dialogue and diverse perspectives create better policy solutions, and they consistently build new collaborations to exchange ideas, foster innovation, and take collective action.
Location:
United Arab EmiratesBenefits
In-Person Fellowship track
- Non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, and ground transportation costs related to Fellowship participation will be covered by the CCMP.
- Press accreditation process and logistical support relating to the trip will be provided by the CCMP.
- CCMP will reimburse visa costs.
- Resources and technical support to help prepare for reporting at the conference, including a pre-COP virtual workshop to meet the team, discuss reporting opportunities, and ask any questions.
- Participate in a series of specially designed activities over the two-week period on the ground, including an orientation session with seasoned climate journalists and experts on the key issues at this COP, daily briefings, networking events, and interviews with high-level officials.
- Guidance by EJN trainers, who are senior journalists with experience covering UN climate summits.
Virtual Fellowship track
- Regular meetings with trainers one-on-one and in groups about the latest COP news.
- Support in accessing information about the COP, including documents and live-streamed events.
- Group interviews with officials or other experts.
- Assistance with sourcing and interview scheduling.
- Mentoring and editing support for story development.
- Possible virtual networking opportunities.
Eligibilities
To be eligible for the In-person Fellowship track, the applicant must:
- Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a low- or middle-income country.
- Be available and willing to travel to Dubai to attend COP28 in person, arriving on November 28 and departing no earlier than December 14, 2023.
To be eligible for the Virtual Fellowship track, the applicant must:
- Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and report from a low- or middle-income country in the MENA or Lower Mekong regions, and a list of eligible countries is available on the official link.
To be eligible for either Fellowship track, the applicant must:
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Have previous experience reporting on climate change issues and clearly indicate the kinds of stories you might pursue about the conference.
- Commit to participating in all Fellowship activities.
- Provide a letter of support from an editor, producer, or supervisor who can confirm that your news reports will be published or broadcast in an established media outlet. Freelancers are welcome to apply but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report.
- Provide recent, relevant, and journalistic work samples on climate change topics, which can be uploaded as documents or web links. Stories can be in any language as long as they are accompanied by a short English synopsis. Clips must focus on climate change topics.
Application Process
- Applicants will have to create an Earth Journalism Network (EJN) account first to apply. (Available on the official link)
- After creating and login to the account, applicants will have to use the ‘Apply now’ button to make an application. (Available on the apply link)
Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
