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UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026 Mongolia (Fully Funded)

Last updated Mar 30, 2026

Deadline

2026-04-15

Country

Mongolia

Level

fellowship

Organization

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Field

Environmental Studies, Climate Change, Agriculture, Development Studies, Food Systems, Journalism, Media Studies

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for journalists to report from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026. This fellowship coincides with the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) and aims to select six journalists to cover the critical issues of land pressure, food and water security, economic stability, and global resilience.

Coverage

This is a fully funded fellowship. It covers return economy-class travel to Mongolia, accommodation, media accreditation for COP17, and opportunities for field visits. There is no application fee.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to professional journalists, both staff and freelance, who have a strong background in reporting on environment, climate, agriculture, development, food systems, business, or related topics. Applicants must work with a recognized media outlet and be based in countries affected by desertification, land degradation, and drought. Ethiopian students are eligible as Ethiopia is a country affected by these issues. Candidates from all around the world are eligible. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in the intersection of environmental change and social/economic dynamics. Selected fellows will represent diverse regions and languages, including the six official languages of the United Nations. IELTS is not required.

Requirements

Applicants must submit: three samples of relevant published work; a letter from an editor confirming their intent to publish COP17-related coverage; a short proposal outlining three potential stories, including one to be published before COP17; information about their media outlet's reach (audience size and geographic scope); and a CV or resume. Selected fellows are expected to participate in pre-COP virtual briefings with experts, attend and report from UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, and produce independent journalistic coverage related to the fellowship themes. Fellows must publish at least three stories: one before COP17, one during COP17, and one after COP17, connecting the global conversation on land and drought to their local realities.

How to apply

To apply, send all required application materials to [email protected]. The subject line of your email must be 'COP17 Media Fellowship Application'.

Notes

The fellowship aims to help bridge the gap in media coverage of land degradation and drought by enabling journalists to report directly from the conference and the field. Fellows will engage with leading experts and communities to explore solutions for a more resilient future. All fellows retain full editorial independence and journalistic integrity.

Source & Verification

Host organization: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Original source: OpportunitiesCorners

Official application page: https://www.unccd.int/news-stories/stories/open-call-unccd-cop17-media-reporting-fellowship

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.