Fully Funded UN Journalism Fellowship 2027 in Qatar: Travel Support for 10 Journalists to Cover the Doha Programme of Action Review

The United Nations is inviting applications for the 2027 DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship, a fully funded opportunity for journalists from eligible Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to travel to Doha, Qatar, and report on the High-level Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action. The event will take place from 25 to 27 March 2027 and will bring international attention to development priorities, progress, challenges, and partnerships affecting some of the world’s most vulnerable economies.

Organised by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the fellowship will select 10 journalists to cover the review and connect international development commitments with the realities experienced by communities in their home countries.

Selected fellows will receive round-trip economy-class travel to Doha, a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals in accordance with applicable United Nations rules, and access to fellowship briefings, networking opportunities, and pre-conference orientation activities where applicable.

The programme is designed for professional journalists who want to strengthen public understanding of sustainable development and report on the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action. Fellows will be expected to produce at least three substantive journalism outputs covering developments before, during, and after the review.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Eligible applicants should review the official requirements and prepare their journalism samples, professional biography, and reporting proposal before submitting an application.

Official fellowship information and application details: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/dpoa-mtr-journalism-fellowship

Overview of the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027

The DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship offers a reporting opportunity for journalists from Least Developed Countries who want to cover an important United Nations development review. It is linked to the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action, an international framework aimed at accelerating sustainable development in Least Developed Countries.

The review provides an opportunity to examine progress in implementing the Doha Programme of Action, identify gaps, and strengthen partnerships for the remainder of the decade. Journalists selected for the fellowship will report on these discussions and explore their relevance to audiences in their own countries.

The fellowship combines travel support with professional reporting responsibilities. Selected journalists will attend the review in Doha, participate in required fellowship activities, and publish stories that explain the issues discussed and their implications for communities in LDCs.

Key Details at a Glance

• Programme: DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027
• Organiser: United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)
• Location: Doha, Qatar
• Event dates: 25–27 March 2027
• Number of fellows: 10 journalists
• Funding: Round-trip economy-class travel and a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals, subject to applicable UN rules
• Orientation: Online orientation planned for February 2027
• Main focus: Journalism coverage of the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action
• Required reporting: At least three substantive journalism outputs
• Final deadline for sharing publication links: 30 April 2027
• Application fee: None
• Application deadline: 30 November 2026
• Official application information: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/dpoa-mtr-journalism-fellowship

About the United Nations Journalism Fellowship

The fellowship is organised by UN-OHRLLS, the United Nations office responsible for supporting international attention and action concerning Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

The office works on issues affecting countries that face particular development challenges, including limited productive capacity, economic vulnerabilities, and barriers to sustainable development.

Through the DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship, the office aims to support reporting that connects international development commitments with national and community-level realities.

Journalists play an important role in explaining how international agreements, policy discussions, and development initiatives relate to people’s lives. Reporting can help audiences understand the progress being made, the obstacles that remain, and the implications of decisions taken by governments and international partners.

The fellowship gives selected journalists an opportunity to report directly from Doha during the Midterm Review, bringing the discussions and outcomes to audiences in their respective countries.

What Is the Doha Programme of Action?

The Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) is an international framework intended to accelerate sustainable development and support the sustainable graduation of Least Developed Countries from the LDC category.

The programme addresses the development challenges faced by these countries and provides a framework for international cooperation, partnerships, and action.

Its implementation involves examining how development commitments translate into progress on issues affecting economies and communities. These concerns include poverty eradication, productive capacity, science and technology, structural transformation, trade, climate resilience, and international solidarity.

The High-level Midterm Review offers an opportunity to take stock of implementation, assess progress and remaining gaps, and strengthen partnerships for the rest of the decade.

For journalists, the review presents an opportunity to investigate what these commitments mean in practice. Reporting can connect international discussions with national development priorities, local experiences, and the questions audiences want answered about progress and accountability.

What Will Selected Journalists Do During the Fellowship?

The fellowship is centred on reporting the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action and communicating its significance to audiences in Least Developed Countries.

Selected journalists will be expected to participate in required fellowship activities, attend the relevant briefings and review sessions, and produce at least three substantive journalism outputs.

1. Report before the Midterm Review

Fellows will produce one journalism output before the review takes place.

This report should help build awareness of the event and explain relevant issues connected to the Doha Programme of Action. It may introduce the review’s purpose, outline development priorities, or examine why the issues under discussion matter to audiences in LDCs.

The aim is to provide context before the international discussions begin.

2. Cover discussions during the review

The second output will be produced during the Midterm Review in Doha.

This report should reflect key discussions, announcements, or perspectives emerging from the event. Journalists will have an opportunity to communicate relevant developments and explain their significance to audiences in their countries.

Coverage may draw on information gathered during the review, including relevant statements, discussions, and perspectives from participants.

3. Report on outcomes after the review

The third required output will be published after the Midterm Review.

This report should examine the outcomes, implications, and follow-up actions associated with the event. It will provide an opportunity to explain what the discussions mean for development priorities in Least Developed Countries and what issues require continued attention.

Together, these three outputs are intended to provide coverage before, during, and after the review rather than limiting reporting to the event itself.

4. Submit links to published work

Fellows must share links to their published journalism outputs by 30 April 2027.

This deadline allows the programme to receive evidence of the required reporting work following the March review.

Participants should keep records of their published stories and follow the official instructions for submitting their links.

5. Observe professional journalism standards

Fellows are expected to observe professional ethics, accuracy, fairness, safety, applicable law, and venue rules.

Their reporting should be responsible and based on reliable information. As with other professional journalism assignments, the work should be presented in a way that helps audiences understand the issues without compromising accuracy or fairness.

Benefits of the Fully Funded UN Journalism Fellowship

The fellowship offers financial support for participation in the Midterm Review, as well as professional reporting and networking opportunities.

1. Round-trip economy-class travel to Doha

Selected fellows will receive round-trip economy-class travel to Doha, Qatar, in accordance with the programme’s applicable arrangements.

This support enables selected journalists to travel to the event and cover the review in person.

Applicants should review the official terms for information about travel arrangements, documentation, and any additional responsibilities.

2. Daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals

The fellowship provides a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals in accordance with applicable United Nations rules.

The announcement does not specify a fixed cash amount. Applicants should consult the official terms to understand the applicable allowance and how it will be administered.

3. Pre-conference orientation activities

Selected fellows may participate in pre-conference orientation activities, where applicable.

The programme also lists an online orientation scheduled for February 2027. These activities form part of the preparation for the review and help fellows understand the programme arrangements before the event.

4. Fellowship briefings

Participants will have access to fellowship briefings related to the review.

These briefings form part of the programme’s support for selected journalists as they prepare to cover the event and its development-related discussions.

5. Networking opportunities

The fellowship provides networking opportunities during the programme.

For journalists reporting on international development, opportunities to connect with other participants and engage with relevant discussions can help broaden their understanding of development issues and the perspectives surrounding them.

6. International reporting experience

Selected journalists will have the opportunity to cover a United Nations development review in Doha.

The experience involves reporting on international discussions and examining how their implications connect with audiences in Least Developed Countries.

7. An opportunity to strengthen development journalism

The fellowship focuses on communicating the implementation and significance of the Doha Programme of Action.

By reporting before, during, and after the review, fellows will contribute to public understanding of development commitments, progress, remaining gaps, and possible follow-up actions.

The programme is therefore suited to journalists interested in connecting international development discussions with issues affecting their countries and communities.

Who Is Eligible for the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027?

The fellowship is specifically intended for professional journalists who are nationals of one of the 44 eligible Least Developed Countries.

Applicants must meet the stated age, nationality, professional experience, and availability requirements. Having an interest in sustainable development, particularly the priority areas of the Doha Programme of Action, is also relevant to the application.

1. Nationality and age requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a national of one of the 44 eligible Least Developed Countries listed in the official call.

Eligibility is based on nationality, not simply residence in an eligible country. Journalists living in an LDC should confirm that they hold the required nationality.

2. Professional journalism experience

Applicants must have at least two years of professional journalism experience.

The fellowship is open to staff journalists and freelance journalists whose work is regularly published or broadcast by a recognised media outlet.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their professional experience and provide examples of published journalism.

3. Interest in sustainable development

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in sustainable development and related issues, particularly the priorities covered by the Doha Programme of Action.

Relevant reporting interests may include poverty eradication, economic development, science and technology, trade, climate resilience, and international cooperation.

The official application requires a reporting proposal explaining the story angles the applicant intends to pursue during the review and why these issues matter to audiences in Least Developed Countries.

4. Availability to travel to Doha

Applicants must be willing and able to travel to Doha for the duration of the Midterm Review and participate in all required briefings and fellowship activities.

The event will take place from 25 to 27 March 2027.

Applicants should ensure that they can meet the programme’s participation requirements and complete the necessary travel and administrative arrangements.

5. Published journalism samples

Applicants must submit two published journalism samples. Accepted formats include print, online, radio, television, and multimedia or digital journalism projects.

At least one sample should address development-related issues.

Candidates should select work that demonstrates their reporting ability, professional experience, and capacity to communicate substantive issues to an audience.

Which Countries Can Apply?

The official fellowship call lists nationals of the following 44 Least Developed Countries as eligible to apply. Applicants should verify the list and all nationality requirements on the official UN-OHRLLS page before submitting an application. <Cite refs={[“turn924430search0”]}/>

• Afghanistan
• Angola
• Bangladesh
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• The Gambia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Haiti
• Kiribati
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Niger
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• United Republic of Tanzania
• Yemen
• Zambia

The eligible countries span Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. However, eligibility is restricted to nationals of the countries specified in the official call.

Important for Kenyan applicants: Kenya is not included in the fellowship’s published list of 44 eligible countries. Kenyan citizenship alone therefore does not meet the stated nationality requirement. Applicants should consult UN-OHRLLS directly if they have questions about their particular circumstances.

Application Requirements: Documents You Need to Prepare

The official fellowship information identifies three main application components: a short biography, two published journalism samples, and a reporting proposal. Applicants should prepare these materials before beginning the online application. <Cite refs={[“turn924430search0”]}/>

1. Short professional biography

The biography must be no longer than 300 words.

It should cover:

• Your current professional position and media affiliation or affiliations.
• Your years of journalism experience.
• Your areas of reporting expertise.
• The languages you speak.
• Previous experience aligned with the priority areas of the Doha Programme of Action.

The biography should give the selection team a clear picture of your professional background and your suitability for the fellowship.

Applicants should keep the biography within the word limit and ensure that all information is accurate and current.

2. Two published journalism samples

Applicants must provide two examples of previously published journalism.

The official call accepts work from different media formats, including:

• Print journalism.
• Online articles.
• Radio reporting.
• Television reporting.
• Multimedia and digital journalism projects.

At least one sample must address development-related issues.

Candidates should select samples that demonstrate their reporting skills, ability to investigate relevant topics, and experience communicating issues to the public.

Ensure that the submitted samples can be accessed or reviewed by the selection team in the format specified by the application portal.

3. Reporting proposal

Applicants must submit a reporting proposal of no more than 400 words.

The proposal should explain what they intend to cover before, during, and after the Midterm Review and how the reporting will serve audiences in Least Developed Countries.

The proposal should address:

• Proposed story angles: The issues you intend to investigate during the review.
• Relevance to audiences: Why those issues matter to people in LDCs.
• Connection to the Doha Programme of Action: How your reporting will improve public understanding of its implementation.
• Reporting formats: The formats you plan to use to communicate your findings.
• Publication strategy: Your intended media outlets and approach to publishing the work.

A strong proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the review’s purpose and a practical plan for turning the discussions into relevant journalism.

Applicants should stay within the 400-word limit and address the requirements specified by the official application.

How to Apply for the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027

Interested journalists should use the official United Nations fellowship page to review the eligibility requirements and access the online application process.

Step 1: Visit the official fellowship page.

Go to the UN-OHRLLS website:

https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/dpoa-mtr-journalism-fellowship

Read the full announcement, eligibility conditions, and terms before beginning your application.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility.

Check that you are at least 18 years old, hold the nationality of one of the 44 eligible countries, and have at least two years of professional journalism experience.

Also confirm that your work is regularly published or broadcast by a recognised media outlet and that you can travel to Doha and participate in the required activities.

Step 3: Prepare your professional biography.

Write a biography of no more than 300 words, covering your current role, media affiliations, years of experience, reporting expertise, languages, and relevant development-related work.

Step 4: Select your journalism samples.

Choose two published pieces that demonstrate your reporting experience. Make sure at least one addresses development-related issues.

Step 5: Develop your reporting proposal.

Prepare a proposal of no more than 400 words describing your planned coverage before, during, and after the Midterm Review.

Explain why the proposed stories matter to audiences in Least Developed Countries and how they will contribute to understanding the Doha Programme of Action.

Step 6: Complete the online application.

Follow the instructions on the official application portal and provide all required information and supporting materials.

There is no application fee. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, according to the official call. <Cite refs={[“turn924430search0”]}/>

Step 7: Submit before 30 November 2026.

The published application deadline is 30 November 2026. Submit your application before the closing date and check the official page for any updates or additional instructions.

Important Dates and Fellowship Timeline

Applicants should keep track of the application deadline, selection period, orientation, event dates, and reporting requirements.

Milestone	Date
Application deadline	30 November 2026
Eligibility review and scoring	22 November–17 December 2026
Expected notification of award letters	Before 31 December 2026
Online orientation	February 2027
Midterm Review in Doha, Qatar	25–27 March 2027
Deadline to share publication links	30 April 2027

These dates are drawn from the official fellowship information. The selection and notification dates are indicative milestones, so applicants should monitor communications from UN-OHRLLS for updates. <Cite refs={[“turn924430search0”]}/>

Important Travel and Participation Conditions

Although the fellowship provides travel and subsistence support, selection does not automatically guarantee conference accreditation, visa issuance, or travel clearance.

Successful applicants must complete the necessary administrative and travel formalities before participating.

Applicants should consider the following:

• Ensure that their travel documents are valid and meet the applicable requirements.
• Check the visa requirements for travel to Qatar.
• Follow all instructions concerning conference accreditation and programme participation.
• Be available for required briefings and fellowship activities.
• Understand the reporting obligations, including the requirement to produce at least three substantive journalism outputs.
• Submit links to the published work by 30 April 2027.

The official terms and conditions should be reviewed carefully before applying. Applicants should not assume that every travel-related expense or administrative requirement is automatically covered by the fellowship.

Why This Fellowship Matters for Development Journalism

International development discussions can involve complex agreements, policy priorities, financing commitments, and partnerships. Journalists help make these issues understandable by explaining what has been agreed, what progress has been made, and what the outcomes may mean for people in their countries.

The Doha Programme of Action addresses development challenges affecting Least Developed Countries. Reporting on its implementation can help audiences understand the relationship between international commitments and issues such as poverty, education, economic opportunity, technology, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The fellowship is structured around this connection between international discussions and national realities.

By producing stories before, during, and after the Midterm Review, selected journalists will have the opportunity to provide context, report on emerging discussions, and examine the implications of the review’s outcomes.

The requirement to publish substantive journalism outputs also means that participation involves more than attending an international event. Fellows are expected to communicate what they learn to their audiences through professional reporting.

For journalists who meet the eligibility requirements and have an interest in sustainable development, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen their reporting experience while contributing to public understanding of development priorities.

For more fellowship programmes visit: https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/category/fellowship/

Conclusion

The UN DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027 offers 10 eligible journalists the opportunity to travel to Doha, Qatar, and report on the High-level Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action from 25 to 27 March 2027.

Organised by UN-OHRLLS, the programme provides round-trip economy-class travel, a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals under applicable UN rules, fellowship briefings, networking opportunities, and orientation activities where applicable.

The fellowship is intended for journalists aged 18 or older who are nationals of one of the 44 eligible Least Developed Countries, have at least two years of professional journalism experience, and can demonstrate an interest in sustainable development.

Applicants must prepare a professional biography of up to 300 words, two published journalism samples, and a reporting proposal of no more than 400 words. Selected fellows will be expected to publish at least three substantive journalism outputs and submit the relevant links by 30 April 2027.

With the application deadline set for 30 November 2026, eligible journalists should review the official requirements, prepare their documents, and submit their applications through the United Nations website.

Official application page: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/dpoa-mtr-journalism-fellowship