Applications are now officially open for the prestigious COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) Reporting Fellowship 2026, an internationally recognized opportunity supporting journalists from low- and middle-income countries to report directly from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
The fellowship is organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) in partnership with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. The program aims to strengthen climate journalism worldwide by equipping reporters with direct access to global climate negotiations, high-level experts, editorial mentorship, and international reporting opportunities.
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31) will take place from November 9 to 20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, and is expected to become one of the most significant climate policy gatherings in recent years.
This year’s summit has already been described as the “Implementation COP,” focusing on how countries move from climate promises and commitments toward real implementation, financing, accountability, and measurable climate action.
About the COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Fellowship
The Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) Fellowship is one of the world’s leading climate journalism support programs. Since its launch in 2007, the initiative has supported more than 550 journalists from developing countries to attend and report from annual United Nations climate negotiations.
The fellowship enables journalists to:
- Report directly from UN climate negotiations
- Access exclusive interviews with global leaders and experts
- Receive mentorship from experienced climate journalists
- Strengthen climate reporting skills
- Build international journalism networks
- Deliver impactful climate stories to local audiences
The 2026 edition introduces an important expansion by welcoming creator journalists for the first time. Independent content creators who use journalistic practices and digital storytelling to produce climate-related content for online audiences are now eligible through a separate creator journalist application track.
Why COP31 Matters
COP31 is expected to be one of the most influential climate summits in recent years as governments worldwide face mounting pressure to implement climate commitments.
Key themes likely to dominate discussions include:
- Climate finance
- Renewable energy transitions
- Fossil fuel reduction
- Adaptation and resilience
- Loss and damage financing
- Food systems and sustainability
- Climate justice
- Carbon reduction implementation
- Global emissions accountability
Journalists selected for the fellowship will have direct access to these negotiations and the opportunity to explain their implications to audiences back home.
What the Fellowship Covers
The COP31 CCMP Fellowship is fully funded and designed to remove financial barriers for journalists from developing regions.
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive support including:
1. International Travel Support
The fellowship covers:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare
- Ground transportation
- Travel medical insurance
2. Accommodation Support
Organizers will arrange accommodation in Antalya for the full duration of the summit.
Where possible, fellows will stay in single-occupancy rooms, although participants should be comfortable with shared accommodation arrangements if necessary.
3. Meal and Stipend Support
Selected participants will receive a financial stipend to help cover:
- Meals
- Daily incidental expenses
- Local transportation needs
4. Press Accreditation Assistance
The fellowship team will facilitate:
- Press accreditation processes
- COP31 logistical coordination
- On-ground reporting support
5. Visa Reimbursement
While participants are responsible for securing their own visas, visa-related costs will be reimbursed by the fellowship organizers.
Editorial Training and Journalism Mentorship
One of the strongest aspects of the CCMP Fellowship is the extensive editorial support and mentorship provided to fellows before and during the summit.
Participants will benefit from:
Pre-COP Training
Before traveling to Türkiye, fellows will participate in:
- Virtual workshops
- Orientation sessions
- Reporting strategy discussions
- Climate policy briefings
On-the-Ground Mentorship
During COP31, fellows will receive:
- Daily editorial briefings
- One-on-one mentorship
- Story development guidance
- Access to expert interviews
- Technical reporting assistance
The fellowship also provides access to collaboration tools, reporting resources, and communication platforms to support participants throughout the conference.
Networking and Global Exposure Opportunities
Fellows will gain valuable networking opportunities with:
- International journalists
- Climate experts
- Policymakers
- Civil society leaders
- Researchers
- Environmental advocates
Participants may also have opportunities to:
- Moderate events
- Speak at side sessions
- Join media networking mixers
- Participate in local excursions and cohort-building activities
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to journalists working across multiple media formats, including:
- Print journalism
- Online media
- Television
- Radio
- Multimedia storytelling
- Digital journalism
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Staff reporters
- Freelance journalists
- Independent climate reporters
- Journalists affiliated with established media houses
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several important requirements to be considered.
Applicants Must:
- Be professional journalists reporting from eligible low- and middle-income countries
- Have never attended a UNFCCC climate COP in person before
- Be available to attend the full two weeks of COP31 in Antalya
- Have strong English-language communication skills
- Demonstrate previous experience covering climate-related topics
- Submit a detailed reporting plan for COP31 coverage
- Commit to participating in all fellowship activities
Required Application Materials
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
1. Updated Resume or CV
A current professional resume detailing journalism experience.
2. Video Introduction
Applicants must submit a video of no more than two minutes explaining:
- What they plan to report on during COP31
- Why their reporting matters
- Their climate journalism interests
3. Letter of Support
Applicants must provide a signed letter from:
- An editor
- Producer
- Supervisor
- Supporting media outlet
The letter must confirm that the applicant’s stories will be published or broadcast.
Freelancers are eligible but must still secure publication commitments from media organizations.
4. Climate Reporting Samples
Applicants must provide at least three published climate-related journalism samples produced between:
May 15, 2025 and June 15, 2026
Stories may be submitted in any language but must include a short English synopsis.
Judging Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on several important factors.
Reviewers will prioritize applicants who:
- Demonstrate strong climate journalism experience
- Present clear and specific story ideas
- Show understanding of climate policy issues
- Have realistic and impactful reporting plans
- Maintain active relationships with media organizations
- Can produce multiple stories during the fellowship
The organizers will also aim to build a diverse cohort representing different:
- Countries
- Regions
- Media formats
- Journalistic perspectives
AI Transparency Requirement
Applicants should note that the fellowship organizers require transparency regarding the use of generative AI tools during the application process.
Failure to disclose AI-assisted content may result in disqualification.
The fellowship organizers also reserve the right to disqualify applicants involved in unethical professional conduct, including plagiarism or misleading submissions.
Story Production Expectations
Selected fellows are expected to produce multiple stories during the conference.
Stories can include:
- News articles
- Video reports
- Radio segments
- Multimedia content
- Social media storytelling
- Investigative features
Participants retain editorial freedom in their reporting while adhering to professional journalism standards established by the fellowship.
Important Travel and Safety Information
Participation in the fellowship requires compliance with all Türkiye travel and entry requirements.
The organizers will continuously assess:
- Health conditions
- Travel safety
- Event-related risks
Participation remains voluntary, and fellows must ensure they can travel legally and safely to Türkiye.
Application Deadline
Applications for the COP31 CCMP Reporting Fellowship close on:
June 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue Time)
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid technical issues.
Notification Timeline
Successful applicants are expected to receive decisions in:
Early September 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must apply through the official Earth Journalism Network application platform.
Click here for more and to apply
Why Journalists Should Apply
This fellowship offers an extraordinary opportunity for journalists to:
- Report from one of the world’s most important climate conferences
- Gain direct exposure to international climate negotiations
- Strengthen climate reporting expertise
- Expand professional networks
- Access global experts and policymakers
- Build credibility in environmental journalism
- Produce impactful climate stories for local audiences
For journalists passionate about climate accountability, sustainability, environmental justice, and global policy reporting, the COP31 CCMP Fellowship represents a career-defining opportunity.
For more global fellowship opportunities click here
