The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has opened applications for the prestigious UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026, a fully funded opportunity designed for journalists passionate about environmental storytelling. This global fellowship supports media professionals to report on critical issues such as land degradation, drought, and climate resilience from one of the world’s most important environmental conferences.
If you are a journalist looking to gain international exposure, access high-level policy discussions, and contribute to global conversations on sustainability, this fellowship is an opportunity you should not miss.
About the UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026
The UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship is organized in collaboration with the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA). It aims to strengthen global media coverage of environmental challenges that often receive limited attention despite their significant impact on societies and economies.
This fellowship will select six journalists worldwide to attend and report from the UNCCD COP17, scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026.
The program focuses on telling impactful stories around land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable land management, issues that are becoming increasingly urgent worldwide.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Land degradation and drought are among the most pressing global challenges today. These issues directly affect food security, water availability, economic stability, and even migration patterns.
According to global estimates, vast areas of fertile land are lost every year, and drought could affect a significant portion of the global population by 2050.
Despite their importance, these topics often remain underreported. This fellowship aims to bridge that gap by empowering journalists to:
- Tell compelling environmental stories
- Highlight real-world solutions
- Engage global audiences with accurate reporting
- Amplify voices from affected communities
Fellowship Benefits
The UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026 is fully funded, ensuring that selected participants can focus entirely on impactful storytelling without financial barriers.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to Mongolia
- Accommodation during the conference period
- Full media accreditation for COP17
- Access to exclusive expert briefings before the event
- Opportunities to interact with policymakers, scientists, and global leaders
- A field visit in Mongolia to engage with local communities
This comprehensive support package allows fellows to gain firsthand experience covering international environmental negotiations and initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to professional journalists, including both staff reporters and freelancers, with a proven track record in relevant fields.
Eligible applicants should:
- Work with a recognized media outlet
- Be based in regions affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought
- Have experience reporting on environment, climate, agriculture, or development topics
- Demonstrate strong storytelling and analytical skills
- Possess a good command of English for effective participation in discussions
The program encourages diversity and aims to select fellows representing different regions and languages, including the six official UN languages.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows are expected to actively participate and produce meaningful journalistic content throughout the program.
Key responsibilities include:
- Attending pre-conference virtual briefings
- Reporting live from COP17 in Mongolia
- Producing at least three original stories, including:
- One story before the conference
- One during the conference
- One after the conference
At least one story should focus on practical solutions related to drought resilience or land restoration.
Importantly, fellows maintain full editorial independence, ensuring unbiased and authentic reporting.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit a complete application package that includes:
- Three samples of published work
- A letter from an editor confirming intent to publish fellowship-related stories
- A short proposal outlining three potential story ideas
- Information about the media outlet’s audience reach
- A detailed CV or resume
Applications must be submitted via email with the appropriate subject line as specified by the organizers.
Deadline
All applications for the UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026 must be submitted on or before April 15, 2026
Late applications will not be considered, so applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well in advance of the deadline.
Conclusion
The UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026 presents a unique opportunity for journalists to elevate their careers while contributing to global awareness on environmental sustainability. By participating in this fully funded program, fellows gain direct access to one of the most important international platforms addressing land degradation and climate resilience.
Beyond the professional benefits, the fellowship enables participants to tell impactful stories that can influence policy discussions and public understanding worldwide. Journalists who are passionate about environmental reporting and committed to driving meaningful change should strongly consider applying before the deadline.
Apply Here
Link: https://www.unccd.int/news-stories/stories/open-call-unccd-cop17-media-reporting-fellowship
