Deadline: 4 July 2022

The Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), led by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, is pleased to announce the 2022 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program for journalists interested in covering the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27). Hosted this year by the government of Egypt, the conference is scheduled to take place in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh from 7-18 November 2022.

The 2022 CCMP Reporting Fellowship aims to bring up to 22 journalists from low- and middle-income countries to report in-person at COP27. CCMP organizers may also offer a limited number of virtual fellowships with mentoring and other support from CCMP staff and journalist trainers. Applicants will be asked to indicate if they are interested in a virtual fellowship, through which they would cover the COP remotely with mentoring support, if not selected for in-person participation.

I. Key information

• As currently envisioned (and subject to change), CCMP Fellows would travel to Sharm el-Sheikh to attend the full period of the UN climate negotiations, with arrival planned for November 5th and departure on November 19th or 20th.
• The CCMP will cover non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel insurance (including emergency medical COVID-19 coverage), and transportation costs to participate in the Fellowship.
• Organizers will also reimburse for meals and other transport expenses acquired in transit, including COVID testing; facilitate the press accreditation process; and provide logistical support relating to the trip.
• Please note that the process of obtaining any necessary visas is the Fellow's individual responsibility, though the CCMP will reimburse visa costs.
• Prior to the start of COP27, Fellows will receive resources and technical support to help prepare for reporting at the conference, including a pre-COP virtual workshop to meet the team, discuss reporting opportunities, and ask any questions.
• Once in Sharm el-Sheikh, Fellows will participate in a series of specially designed activities over the two week period on the ground, including an orientation session with seasoned climate journalists and experts on the key issues at this COP, daily briefings, and interviews with high-level officials. They will also be guided by EJN trainers: senior journalists with experience in covering UN climate summits.
• Applications for the 2021 CCMP Reporting Fellowship will be accepted from 6th June - 4th July and decisions will be communicated by early August

II. Eligibility

• Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a low- or middle-income country.
• Have a good command of the English language.
• Have previous experience reporting on climate change issues and clearly indicate the kinds of stories you might pursue while attending the conference.
• Be available and willing to travel to Egypt to attend COP27 in person, arriving on November 5th and departing no earlier than November 19th.
• Commit to participate in all Fellowship activities.
• Provide a letter of support from an editor, producer, or supervisor who can confirm that your news reports will be published or broadcast in an established media outlet.
• Freelancers are welcome to apply, but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report.

III. Criteria for evaluation

• Demonstrated experience covering climate change and other environmental topics,
• Clear reporting plans for the COP, the audience reach of the proposed media outlet, and
• Geographical distribution across the Fellows

Applicants will be asked to submit samples of their work, which can be uploaded as documents or web links. Stories can be in any language as long as they are accompanied by a short English synopsis. However, please note that a good command of English is a prerequisite for participation in Fellowship activities.

Fellows are responsible for ensuring that they meet any requirements for travel to Egypt. Please note that during a time when many countries are still coping with the spread of COVID-19, there will be added risks and operational challenges involved with international travel.

Applicants will be asked to indicate that they understand that participation in the Fellowship in-person in Egypt requires compliance with government and venue requirements, which may include proof of vaccine status, mask mandates, quarantine protocols, and/or testing for COVID-19 before and during the conference. Applicants may be required to sign risk acknowledgment documentation indicating they understand and accept the risks associated with travel and partaking in in-person meetings during a COVID-19 pandemic.

Internews and the Stanley Center will be continuously assessing COVID-related travel and health risks and will communicate those with Fellows ahead of the conference. All travel to participate in this Fellowship will be voluntary.

IV. How to Apply?

To apply click HERE