The UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026, a fully funded program that will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 17–28, 2026, in conjunction with the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), is currently accepting applications. Six journalists will be chosen by this fellowship to cover one of the most important but little-known global issues: the growing strain on the planet’s land and its consequences for global resilience, food and water security, and economic stability.
The program covers all associated costs, such as travel, lodging, meals, and local transportation, and is available to journalists from all nations, regardless of experience level. IELTS or other language examinations are not necessary, and there is no application fee.
Attendees will have exclusive access to information and insights regarding land degradation, climate impacts, and sustainable land management, as well as the opportunity to attend high-level COP17 sessions and engage with international experts, politicians, and other journalists. This fellowship offers a rare chance to report on urgent environmental issues on a global scale, broaden professional networks, and create powerful narratives that might inspire global action and awareness.
Host Country: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Funded By: The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Date: 17 to 28 August 2026
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Professional journalists with a solid history in covering the environment, climate change, agriculture, development, food systems, business, or similar subjects are welcome to apply, including both staff and independent journalists.
- Candidates must collaborate with a reputable media organization.
- must be located in nations impacted by drought, land degradation, or desertification.
- should show a desire to report on how social and economic forces interact with environmental change.
- The six official UN languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish—will be represented among the chosen fellows.
- Selected fellows will take part in virtual briefings with experts prior to COP.
- Attend UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and provide a report.
- Create independent journalism about the fellowship’s themes.
- Throughout the fellowship, uphold complete editorial independence and journalistic integrity.
- At least three stories should be published:
- One tale before COP17
- One tale from COP17
- One narrative following COP17 that connects local circumstances to the global discourse on land and drought
Benefits:
- Complete coverage for return economy-class travel to and from Ulaanbaatar
- Throughout the fellowship, lodging is offered to guarantee a comfortable stay.
- UNCCD COP17’s official media accreditation, allowing complete access to sessions, briefings, and events
- arranged field trips to locations pertinent to desertification, land degradation, and climate action, offering chances for first-hand reporting
- Access to professional briefings and chances to network with scientists, legislators, and other journalists
Deadline: 15th April 2026
