Applications are now open for the Reham Al-Farra (RAF) Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026, a prestigious United Nations programme designed for young professional journalists from developing countries and economies in transition.
The application period runs until 3 April 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the official FAQ before submitting their application.
About the RAF Journalism Fellowship
The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1980 under Resolution 35/201. The programme was originally known as the DPI Training Programme for Broadcasters and Journalists from Developing Countries.
In 2003, the fellowship was renamed in memory of Reham Al-Farra, a 29-year-old United Nations Public Information Officer who was killed during the bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003.
Since its launch in 1981, the fellowship has supported nearly 700 journalists from 168 countries, contributing to improved global understanding of the United Nations and its work.
Programme Overview
The RAF Fellowship is a highly competitive opportunity that enables selected journalists to gain first-hand experience covering the United Nations.
During the programme, fellows will:
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Cover the United Nations General Assembly
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Attend high-level UN briefings and sessions
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Interview senior UN officials
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Engage with UN agencies, funds, and programmes
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Meet Permanent Representatives and diplomats
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Participate in training sessions with media experts
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Connect with journalists and media organizations in New York
The programme provides a unique platform to strengthen professional skills, expand networks, and enhance global reporting capacity.
Programme Duration
The 2026 RAF Fellowship is expected to take place:
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Over a four-week period
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Between September and October 2026
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In a format that may be virtual or hybrid (to be confirmed)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be between 22 and 35 years old
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Be a full-time working journalist
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Have at least two years of professional journalism experience
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Be a national of an eligible developing country or economy in transition
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Demonstrate experience covering UN-related issues or global topics
Additional considerations:
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Freelance journalists are eligible, provided they submit strong work samples and proof of professional accreditation
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Applicants who are studying or teaching journalism but are not working full-time as journalists are not eligible
Applicants may live outside their country of citizenship, provided they are working as journalists covering UN-related issues relevant to their home country.
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to journalists from a wide range of developing countries and countries with economies in transition across:
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Africa
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Asia
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Latin America and the Caribbean
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Middle East
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Eastern Europe and Central Asia
The full list includes countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Philippines, and many others.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
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Completed online application form
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
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At least five published work samples related to the United Nations or its priority issues (from the last six months)
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Copy of passport or national identification
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Two reference letters
All documents must be uploaded to a file-sharing platform such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Applicants must provide a link with permissions that allow reviewers to access and download all files.
Failure to submit all required materials may result in disqualification.
Submission Guidelines for Broadcast Journalists
Television and radio journalists should:
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Provide links to publicly accessible content where possible
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Upload media files to a cloud platform if links are unavailable
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Ensure all files are accessible through shared links
Language Requirements
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English proficiency is required, as it is the primary language of communication during the programme
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Fellows may publish their work in their native languages
Reference letters do not need to be translated into English but must include complete contact details for verification.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
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Professional experience
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Quality and relevance of work samples
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Coverage of UN-related issues
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Audience reach and impact
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Geographic diversity
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Gender balance
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online portal:
https://www.un.org/en/raf/application2026
Applicants are required to type their name in the declaration field to sign the application and ensure submission is completed successfully.
Application Deadline
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Applications open: 16 February 2026
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Application deadline: 3 April 2026
Why You Should Apply
The RAF Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to:
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Gain direct exposure to international diplomacy and policymaking
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Build relationships with global media professionals
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Access high-level UN officials and decision-makers
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Strengthen reporting skills on global issues
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Contribute to improved public understanding of the United Nations
Apply here: https://www.un.org/en/raf/application2026
For more info visit : https://www.un.org/en/raf?utm_content=buffer792af&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Explore More Opportunities
For more fellowships and journalism opportunities, visit:
https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship