Are you a journalist passionate about reporting issues related to climate change? Are you interested in covering the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)?
If yes, the Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), led this year by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), in collaboration with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, is inviting you to apply for the 2021 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program for journalists.
About CCMP Reporting Fellowship
The 2021 CCMP Reporting Fellowship seeks to bring up to 20 journalists from developing countries, including 12 journalists from the Asia-Pacific region, to report in-person at COP26, if circumstances allow.
Launched in 2007, the CCMP has brought over 350 journalists from developing countries to attend and report on the annual UN climate talks.
This has allowed journalists from around the world to cover the climate negotiations for their home audiences while benefiting from working alongside experienced climate journalists.
Fellows will gain a multifaceted understanding of the actions or inactions of countries in addressing climate change’s global impact.
Hosted by the United Kingdom, in partnership with Italy, this year’s COP26 is set to hold in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 12, 2021.
What to expect
Before the start of COP26, Fellows will receive resources and technical support to help prepare for reporting at the conference.
Once in Glasgow, Fellows will participate in a series of specially designed activities, including an orientation session with climate experts on the key issues at this COP, daily briefings, and interviews with high-level officials.
They will also be guided by EJN trainers, who are senior journalists with experience in covering UN climate summits.
Cost
Participation is free and open to journalists from developing countries across the world.
The CCMP will cover non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel insurance, and transportation costs to participate in the Fellowship.
Organizers will also reimburse Fellows for meals and other transport expenses acquired in transit, including COVID testing; facilitate the press accreditation process, and provide logistical support relating to the trip.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining any necessary visas is the Fellow’s individual responsibility, though reimburse visa costs can be reimbursed.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the Fellowship, you must:
- Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a developing country.
- Have proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Be experienced in reporting on issues about climate change and clearly indicate the kinds of stories they might pursue while attending the conference.
- Be available and willing to travel to the UK to attend COP26 in person, arriving on November 4 and departing on November 14.
- Be ready to take part in all Fellowship activities.
- Present a letter of confirmation from an editor, producer, or supervisor that your news reports will be published or broadcast in an established media outlet.
Note that freelance journalists are welcome to apply, but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report.
How to apply
To register for the 2021 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program, follow these steps:
- Open an account on Earth Journalism Network’s website.
- After successful registration, click here to apply.
Deadline
Entries for the 2021 CCMP Reporting Fellowship close on Friday, July 23, 2021.