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.

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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 on the ground in Dubai. In the application, journalists will be asked to indicate which Fellowship track they are most interested in.

Benefits from Media Partnership Reporting Fellowships

In-Person Fellowship

• CCMP In-Person Fellows will travel to Dubai to attend the entire duration of the UN climate negotiations, with arrival planned for November 28, 2023 and departure on December 14, 2023.
• The CCMP will cover non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance and ground transportation costs related to Fellowship participation. Organizers will also facilitate the press accreditation process and provide logistical support relating to the trip. Note that the process of obtaining any necessary visas is the Fellow’s individual responsibility, though the CCMP will reimburse visa costs.
• Prior to the start of COP28, Fellows will receive 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. Once in Dubai, Fellows will 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. They will also be guided by EJN trainers, who are senior journalists with experience covering UN climate summits.

Virtual Fellowships will run from 30 November to 13 December 2023. Virtual Fellows will be supported by a media trainer who will be on the ground in Dubai. And, Virtual Fellowships will include a number of online activities, mostly conducted over Zoom, including:

• 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.

Eligibility for Media Partnership Reporting Fellowships

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 reporting from a low- or middle-income country in the MENA or Lower Mekong regions, and a list of eligible countries is available here.

Moreover, 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 participate 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.

Judging Criteria for Media Partnership Reporting Fellowships

They are looking for applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience covering climate change, climate policy and other environmental topics;
• A clear and well-researched reporting plan for the COP, including potential story ideas, an estimated number of stories they’ll produce during the Fellowship and demonstrated intention to continue developing their plan as the COP draws closer;
• A relationship with an established media house and a signed letter of support from an editor agreeing to publish or broadcast work produced at the COP.

EJN also considers the need to assemble a diverse cohort of journalists from different types of media houses, mediums and geographies.

Application of Media Partnership Reporting Fellowships

Applications for the CCMP COP28 Reporting Fellowship will be accepted until June 30. Decisions will be communicated in August. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so consider submitting at least one day before the deadline to avoid any issues.

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Lastly, It is important to visit the official website link found below to access the application form.

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