UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Journalists to Report from Mongolia

Journalists around the world now have an exciting opportunity to attend a major global environmental event through the UNCCD COP17 Media Reporting Fellowship.

Organized by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the fellowship supports journalists who want to cover international discussions on land restoration, climate change, and sustainable development.

Selected fellows will receive funding to attend COP17, which will take place in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.

This fellowship is designed to strengthen global media coverage of desertification, land degradation, and drought—issues that affect millions of people worldwide.

About the UNCCD COP17 Media Fellowship

The Media Reporting Fellowship provides journalists with the opportunity to attend the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP17), one of the world’s most important global gatherings focused on land sustainability and environmental resilience.

Through the fellowship, journalists gain access to the conference, expert discussions, and global leaders working to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management.

The program aims to amplify accurate and impactful reporting on environmental challenges and solutions, particularly those affecting vulnerable communities.

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected journalists will benefit from several forms of support that make it easier to report directly from the conference.

Benefits may include:

Travel support to attend COP17 in Mongolia
Accommodation during the conference
Access to conference sessions and media briefings
Opportunities to interview experts, policymakers, and global leaders
International media exposure and professional networking

By attending COP17, fellows will gain firsthand insights into global environmental policy discussions and emerging solutions to land degradation and climate challenges.

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is designed for professional journalists who are passionate about environmental reporting and global development issues.

Ideal candidates include reporters, editors, multimedia journalists, and correspondents interested in covering topics such as climate change, land restoration, drought, and sustainable development.

Applicants should demonstrate a track record of journalism work and an interest in producing stories that raise awareness about environmental challenges and solutions.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Environmental reporting plays a critical role in informing the public and influencing global action. Programs like the UNCCD Media Fellowship help ensure that key international environmental discussions receive strong and informed media coverage.

By supporting journalists to attend COP17, the fellowship helps strengthen global storytelling on land sustainability and climate resilience while empowering reporters to bring important environmental stories to audiences around the world.

How to Apply

Interested journalists must submit their application via email.

Application instructions:

Send your application and required documents to:
press@unccd.int

Subject line:
COP17 Media Fellowship Application

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full application requirements before submitting their materials.

Learn more and read the full call for applications here:

For more Fellowship opportunities, Visit OFY here.