Reporting from COP31: A Fellowship for Climate Journalists

The COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) Reporting Fellowship offers a unique chance for journalists from developing countries to cover the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye. This program, organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, aims to improve climate journalism globally. It provides reporters with direct access to climate negotiations, experts, and mentorship. The fellowship is a key opportunity for journalists looking to deepen their understanding and reporting on climate change issues.

About the COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Fellowship

The CCMP Fellowship has been a leading program supporting climate journalism since 2007. It has helped over 550 journalists from developing nations attend and report on UN climate talks. The fellowship allows journalists to report directly from the negotiations, interview global leaders and experts, and receive guidance from experienced climate journalists. It also helps them improve their reporting skills and build international networks. For the 2026 conference, the program is expanding to include creator journalists who use digital storytelling for online audiences.

Why COP31 Matters

COP31, scheduled for November 9-20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, is expected to be a very important climate policy meeting. This summit is being called the “Implementation COP,” focusing on how countries will turn their climate promises into real actions. Discussions will likely cover climate finance, renewable energy, reducing fossil fuels, adaptation strategies, and how to handle loss and damage from climate impacts. Journalists attending will have direct access to these critical discussions and can help explain their significance to their home audiences.

What the Fellowship Covers

The COP31 CCMP Fellowship is fully funded to remove financial obstacles for journalists from developing regions. The support includes:

International Travel Support

This covers round-trip economy-class airfare, ground transportation, and travel medical insurance.

Accommodation Support

Organizers will arrange accommodation in Antalya for the duration of the conference. While single rooms may be available, participants should be prepared for shared accommodation if needed.

Meal and Stipend Support

Selected participants will receive a financial stipend to cover meals, daily incidental expenses, and local transportation.

Press Accreditation Assistance

The fellowship team will help with press accreditation, logistical coordination for COP31, and on-ground reporting support.

Visa Reimbursement

Fellows are responsible for obtaining their own visas, but the costs associated with visas will be reimbursed by the fellowship organizers.

Editorial Training and Journalism Mentorship

A significant benefit of the CCMP Fellowship is the extensive editorial support provided before and during the summit.

Pre-COP Training

Before traveling, fellows will participate in virtual workshops, orientation sessions, and discussions on reporting strategies and climate policy.

On-the-Ground Mentorship

During COP31, fellows will receive daily editorial briefings, one-on-one mentorship, and guidance on developing their stories. They will also get help accessing expert interviews and technical reporting assistance. The program also offers access to collaboration tools and reporting resources.

Networking and Global Exposure Opportunities

Fellows will have opportunities to connect with international journalists, climate experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates. They may also have chances to moderate events, speak at sessions, and join networking mixers. These interactions can significantly broaden their professional connections and understanding of global climate issues.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to journalists working in print, online media, television, radio, and multimedia storytelling. This includes staff reporters, freelance journalists, and independent climate reporters affiliated with media organizations. The program specifically welcomes those who use journalistic practices and digital storytelling to produce climate-related content for online audiences.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet several key criteria. They should be professional journalists reporting from eligible low- and middle-income countries. A crucial requirement is that they must not have attended a UNFCCC climate COP in person before. Applicants need to be available for the full two weeks of COP31 and possess strong English communication skills. Previous experience covering climate-related topics is necessary, along with a detailed reporting plan for COP31. Commitment to participating in all fellowship activities is also required.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare and submit the following:

Updated Resume or CV

A current resume detailing professional journalism experience.

Video Introduction

A video, no longer than two minutes, explaining the applicant’s planned COP31 reporting, why it matters, and their climate journalism interests.

Letter of Support

A signed letter from an editor, producer, supervisor, or media outlet confirming that the applicant’s stories will be published or broadcast. Freelancers need publication commitments from media organizations.

Climate Reporting Samples

At least three published climate-related journalism samples produced between May 15, 2025, and June 15, 2026. Stories can be in any language but must include a short English synopsis.

Judging Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on strong climate journalism experience, clear story ideas, and an understanding of climate policy. Reviewers will look for realistic and impactful reporting plans and active relationships with media organizations. The organizers also aim to create a diverse cohort representing various countries, regions, media formats, and journalistic perspectives.

Story Production Expectations

Selected fellows are expected to produce multiple stories during the conference. These can include news articles, video reports, radio segments, multimedia content, or social media storytelling. While fellows have editorial freedom, they must adhere to professional journalism standards. The goal is to produce impactful climate stories for their local audiences.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the COP31 CCMP Reporting Fellowship is June 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue Time). Late applications will not be accepted. It is advised to submit applications early to avoid any technical difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions