The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering fellowships for five journalists from low- and middle-income countries. This opportunity is all about covering the Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Selected journalists will dive into discussions on climate finance and environmental partnerships, get mentorship from experienced journalists, and enjoy financial support for their reporting.
Being part of this fellowship opens the door to a unique perspective on global environmental policies. Participants will attend:
- Nine high-level roundtables
- A Civil Society Forum
- Side events and field visits
- Interviews with experts and decision-makers
- Daily mentorship and briefings
This experience allows journalists to enhance their skills in reporting on pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity, and environmental financing while collaborating with peers to create impactful stories.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a professional journalist with experience at an established media outlet.
- Must represent a low- or middle-income country.
- Must have experience covering environmental issues, ideally focusing on climate and biodiversity.
- Must communicate well in English.
- Must arrive in Samarkand by May 31, 2026, and participate throughout the Assembly week.
Benefits of the Fellowship:
- Financial support for travel and participation costs.
- Access to reporting resources and preparation tools.
- Orientation sessions on key issues.
- Mentorship from senior journalists.
- Networking opportunities with other fellows.
The selection process will focus on the candidates’ experience and potential impact in the environmental journalism field. Participants will prepare with resources and briefings before the Assembly, allowing them to cover high-level meetings and contribute to important conversations.
This fellowship isn’t just about personal growth; it plays a crucial role in raising awareness about global environmental challenges. Through mentorship and collaboration, journalists can significantly increase their expertise in climate finance reporting.
To strengthen applications, candidates should:
- Showcase their reporting experience in environmental topics.
- Demonstrate their ability to create compelling stories.
- Confirm their availability for the full duration of the fellowship.
- Present examples of past reporting on climate or biodiversity.
In addition to the benefits of the fellowship, recent surveys indicate that audiences are increasingly interested in climate and environmental issues. According to a 2022 study, awareness about climate change has climbed, with 74% of respondents identifying it as a top concern. This means there’s a growing demand for informed and impactful reporting on these topics.
FAQ:
1. How many journalists will be selected?
Five journalists from low- and middle-income countries.
2. Is financial support provided?
Yes, travel and participation costs are covered.
3. What experience is required?
Applicants should have professional journalism experience, ideally with a focus on environmental issues.
4. Is English proficiency necessary?
Yes, a good command of English is required.
5. When must I arrive in Samarkand?
All fellows need to arrive by May 31, 2026, and stay for the full week.
6. Will mentorship be provided?
Yes, experienced journalists will mentor each participant.
This fellowship truly matters. It not only provides invaluable access to international discussions but also enhances journalists’ reporting skills and fosters a network of peers dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues.
For more details, check the EJN fellowship information on their [official page](https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/fellowships-to-cover-the-eighth-global-environment-facility-gef-assembly-in-samarkand).
