Applications are open for the 2026 COP31 Reporting Fellowship, an initiative organized by the Climate Change Media Partnership, a collaboration between Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. This year’s opportunity offers journalists the chance to report from the 31st United Nations Climate Conference, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9-20, with a high-level leaders’ gathering scheduled earlier on November 5 and 6.

Since its inception in 2007, this initiative has supported over 500 journalists from economically developing nations, enabling them to attend and cover the annual climate discussions. It aims to empower journalists to produce meaningful coverage for their local audiences while receiving guidance from expert mentors and gaining a comprehensive view of how nations are addressing, or failing to address, climate challenges globally.

While the program continues to offer in-person participation to journalists from eligible countries, a few fellowships will also be awarded to journalists from the Pacific Islands who will join the program virtually. These remote fellows will engage with the summit from their home countries, receiving support from an experienced trainer based on the ground in Türkiye.

Applications are being accepted until June 17, and the selection results are expected to be shared in early August. Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Participants selected for the in-person program will receive comprehensive support to travel to Türkiye and cover the event. This includes economy airfare, accommodations, meals, ground transport, and health insurance. The program will also guide participants through the media accreditation process and provide logistical support on-site. Visa arrangements, however, are the responsibility of each fellow, though the associated costs will be reimbursed. A modest stipend will also be provided to cover daily incidentals during the stay.

To enhance their reporting, fellows will work closely with senior journalists who have years of experience covering climate negotiations. Prior to the summit, fellows will take part in a virtual orientation to connect with their trainers, understand key issues, and prepare story ideas. Once in Antalya, fellows will engage in briefings, mentoring sessions, and facilitated discussions. Resources will be made available through a digital workspace, and fellows will join an interactive group chat to coordinate and exchange ideas. Throughout the fellowship, participants will receive ongoing editorial guidance and feedback on their work, with opportunities to interview prominent experts and attend networking activities. Some fellows may even be invited to speak at formal or informal events during the summit.

Those selected for the remote fellowship will cover the event from their home countries and join the program primarily via virtual platforms. To ensure smooth participation, they will receive a connectivity stipend. Like their in-person counterparts, they will be supported by an experienced trainer and gain access to livestreams, pre-recorded sessions, and reporting materials. Virtual fellows will also benefit from scheduled briefings, one-on-one feedback, and access to the same digital tools to support their reporting and collaboration with peers.

This fellowship is open to professional journalists working for recognized media outlets and reporting from countries classified as low- or middle-income by the World Bank. It is intended for reporters who have not previously attended a COP, either on their own or through other fellowships. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in environmental reporting, commit to full participation, and have the ability to report in English. They must also submit an updated resume, a short video pitch detailing their reporting focus at COP31, a letter of support from an editor guaranteeing publication of the stories, and recent climate-focused work samples published. Freelance journalists are welcome to apply, provided they can secure a commitment from a media outlet to publish the stories produced during the fellowship.

Only applicants from the listed eligible countries will be considered for in-person fellowships. Pacific Island journalists applying for the virtual track must report from specific island nations or be based in Australia or New Zealand while producing stories for Pacific-focused audiences. All applications must be submitted in English, and applicants must be able to engage fully in English-language sessions.

Journalists from all mediums—radio, TV, print, and digital—are encouraged to apply, including freelancers and those affiliated with international, national, or community-based organizations. However, those who have previously participated in COPs with or without support from Earth Journalism Network will not be eligible.

The selection committee is looking for candidates who have a track record in covering environmental topics, especially climate-related issues, and who can submit a well-developed plan outlining the types of stories they intend to pursue at the summit. Applicants are also expected to provide an estimate of the number of stories they plan to publish during the fellowship and should secure clear publication support from an editor or newsroom.

During the program, selected journalists will be expected to publish multiple stories, which can be in any language. However, they must provide a high-quality English summary for each story and ensure at least one story is fully translated into English for broader dissemination. All published pieces must clearly acknowledge support from the CCMP program. Fellows retain primary publication rights but must also grant permission to the organizers and their partners to republish or distribute the stories.

Fellows must ensure they meet any travel or health requirements for entry into Türkiye. Organizers will regularly assess the situation and communicate any changes. Participation in the fellowship is completely voluntary and based on the fellow’s willingness to travel under these terms.

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