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Applications are now open for the COP31 Climate Change Fellowship 2026 in Turkiye, a fully funded international reporting fellowship for journalists and creator journalists from low- and middle-income countries who are interested in covering one of the world’s most important climate conferences.

The fellowship is organized through the Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), led by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. Selected fellows will travel to Antalya, Turkiye, to attend and report on the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled to take place from 9–20 November 2026.

The programme aims to strengthen global climate journalism by supporting reporters from developing countries with funding, training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and direct access to international climate negotiations.

Summary

• Programme Name: COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship 2026
• Host Country: Turkiye
• Location: Antalya, Turkiye
• Conference: COP31 – United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties
• Organizers: Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and Stanley Center for Peace and Security
• Programme Type: International Journalism Fellowship
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Journalists and Creator Journalists from Low- and Middle-Income Countries
• Event Dates: 9–20 November 2026
• Coverage Area: Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Policy, COP31 Reporting
• Application Mode: Online Application
• Official Link: https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/cop31-climate-change-media-partnership-reporting-fellowship-for-journalists

About the COP31 Climate Change Fellowship

The Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) Reporting Fellowship is one of the world’s leading opportunities for journalists covering climate change and environmental issues.

Since its launch in 2007, the programme has supported hundreds of journalists from developing countries in attending and reporting on the annual UN climate negotiations. The initiative helps journalists improve climate reporting while ensuring that communities worldwide receive accurate information about global climate discussions and decisions.

For the 2026 edition, selected fellows will attend COP31 in Antalya, Turkiye, where governments, policymakers, scientists, negotiators, environmental organizations, and global leaders will discuss climate action, sustainability, emissions reduction, climate finance, adaptation, and environmental policy.

About COP31

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the annual global climate summit organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

COP meetings bring together representatives from governments, international organizations, research institutions, NGOs, civil society groups, and media organizations to discuss:

• Climate action
• Carbon emissions reduction
• Climate adaptation
• Renewable energy
• Climate finance
• Environmental sustainability
• Global climate policy

COP31 will be hosted in Antalya, Turkiye, and is expected to attract thousands of participants from around the world.

Fellowship Benefits

The COP31 Climate Change Fellowship 2026 is fully funded.

Selected fellows may receive:

• Economy-class international airfare
• Accommodation during the conference
• Meals and daily support
• Travel medical insurance
• Ground transportation related to fellowship activities
• Press accreditation support
• Editorial mentorship
• Climate reporting training
• Access to expert briefings
• Networking opportunities
• Interview opportunities with policymakers and climate experts
• Participation in fellowship workshops and activities

Selected fellows may also be invited to participate in side events as moderators or speakers.

New Opportunity for Creator Journalists

According to programme information, the 2026 fellowship has expanded eligibility to include creator journalists.

This means independent content creators who use journalistic practices to produce climate-related content on:

• YouTube
• Social Media Platforms
• Digital Media Channels
• Independent Journalism Platforms

may also be eligible to apply under the creator journalism category.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to:

• Professional journalists
• Print journalists
• Broadcast journalists
• Radio journalists
• Multimedia reporters
• Freelance journalists
• Environmental journalists
• Climate reporters
• Creator journalists

Applicants must generally be reporting from eligible low- and middle-income countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the COP31 Climate Change Fellowship 2026, applicants generally must:

• Be a professional journalist or creator journalist
• Be reporting from an eligible low- or middle-income country
• Have previous experience covering climate or environmental issues
• Be willing to attend COP31 in person in Antalya
• Have strong English communication skills
• Commit to all fellowship activities
• Demonstrate clear reporting goals for COP31
• Submit all required supporting documents

Applicants who have previously attended a UN climate COP in person may not be eligible under the programme rules.

Required Documents

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Updated CV or Résumé
• Letter of Support from Editor or Media Organization
• Climate-related work samples
• Application Form
• Reporting Plan for COP31
• Short Video Introduction (maximum 2 minutes)
• Supporting journalism portfolio

Climate-related reporting samples should demonstrate previous experience covering environmental or climate issues.

Selection Criteria

Applications may be evaluated based on:

• Quality of climate reporting experience
• Strength of proposed reporting plan
• Journalism skills
• Relevance of work samples
• Potential audience impact
• Commitment to climate reporting
• Editorial support and publication plans

The programme also aims to build a diverse fellowship cohort representing different countries, media formats, and regions.

Why Apply?

Participants may gain:

• International journalism exposure
• Access to COP31 negotiations
• Direct engagement with climate experts
• Global networking opportunities
• Professional mentorship
• Advanced climate reporting experience
• Access to exclusive interviews
• Increased visibility within climate journalism

The fellowship is particularly valuable for journalists who want to strengthen their expertise in climate reporting and international environmental policy.

How To Apply for COP31 Climate Change Fellowship 2026

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official fellowship page.
2. Carefully review eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare all required documents.
4. Develop a detailed COP31 reporting plan.
5. Upload journalism work samples.
6. Submit the online application form.
7. Submit the required video introduction.
8. Complete the application before the deadline.

Applications must be submitted through the official Earth Journalism Network platform.

Important Notes for Applicants

• The fellowship is highly competitive.
• Applications are accepted only in English.
• Strong climate reporting experience is advantageous.
• Fellows are expected to produce multiple reports during the programme.
• Selected participants must participate fully in fellowship activities.
• Climate-related work samples are a major part of the evaluation process.
• Applicants should prepare detailed and realistic reporting plans.

Application Deadline

17 June 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid technical issues before the deadline.

Official Application Link

Official Fellowship Page:

Related Opportunities

• Geneva Peace Fellowship 2026/27, Switzerland (Partially Funded)
• Global Youth Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Paris, France
• Africa Clean Air Network/Health Effects Institute Future Leaders Fellowship 2026
• UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026 (PAID)
• Commonwealth Students Association Call for Campus Ambassadors across the Commonwealth

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The COP31 Climate Change Fellowship 2026 in Turkiye presents an exceptional opportunity for journalists and creator journalists who are passionate about climate change, sustainability, environmental reporting, and international policy discussions.

At AK Travels LTD (www.aktravelsltd.com), we encourage interested applicants to prepare strong reporting portfolios, compelling story proposals, and clear climate-focused reporting plans that demonstrate their ability to inform and engage audiences on critical environmental issues.

Since this fellowship attracts applicants from many countries worldwide, candidates should focus on showcasing their journalism experience, storytelling ability, and commitment to climate and environmental reporting.