AK Travels Limited

Applications are now open for the Young Journalists Program 2026 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The programme is organised by the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) and Transparency International to empower early-career journalists who are passionate about investigative reporting, accountability, and fighting corruption.

Ten young journalists from around the world will be selected to participate in a mentored programme alongside the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2026.

Participants will engage directly with global leaders, policymakers, activists, researchers and anti-corruption experts while strengthening their reporting skills and expanding their international professional networks.

Summary

• Programme Name: IACC Young Journalists Initiative 2026
• Organisers: International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) & Transparency International
• Host Country: Dominican Republic
• Host City: Punta Cana
• Programme Type: Journalism Fellowship
• Number of Participants: 10
• Eligible Applicants: Young Journalists Worldwide
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Conference Dates: 1–4 December 2026
• Application Deadline: 15 July 2026

About the Young Journalists Programme

The Young Journalists Initiative is designed for journalists at the beginning stages of their professional careers who are interested in covering corruption, governance, transparency, politics and social issues.

Selected participants will join a mentored programme during the International Anti-Corruption Conference and gain firsthand exposure to some of the world’s most pressing anti-corruption discussions.

The conference itself is regarded as one of the world’s leading global platforms that brings together governments, civil society organisations, businesses, journalists and activists to address corruption challenges across sectors and regions.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Economy-class return flight to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Five nights of accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the conference hotel
• Visa processing cost reimbursement (subject to prior approval and receipts)
• Participation in a mentored journalism programme
• Access to conference sessions and networking opportunities
• Opportunities to interview global leaders and activists.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be currently working as a journalist
• Have demonstrable experience reporting on social, political or economic issues
• Work in digital, print, broadcast or multimedia journalism
• Be under 35 years old on 6 December 2026
• Be proficient in English
• Be passionate about fighting corruption
• Be committed to learning more about Transparency International and anti-corruption issues.

Expectations From Selected Participants

Successful participants will be expected to:

• Attend the International Anti-Corruption Conference
• Participate in mentoring activities
• Develop at least one report linked to conference themes
• Independently pitch the story to a media outlet
• Adhere to the programme’s terms of reference and code of conduct.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Professional information
• Journalism experience details
• Story interests and reporting preferences
• Supporting information requested in the application portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Visit the official IACC Young Journalists application page.

Step 2

Complete the online application form.

Step 3

Provide your professional journalism background and experience.

Step 4

Indicate the anti-corruption topics you are most interested in covering.

Step 5

Specify the media outlet or publishing platform where you would pitch your story.

Step 6

Upload your CV.

Step 7

Submit your application before 15 July 2026.

Important Dates

• Application Opens: Applications are currently open.
• Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
• Arrival Date: 30 November 2026
• Conference Dates: 1–4 December 2026
• Departure Date: 5 December 2026.

Related Opportunities

• Biodiversity Fellowships for Journalists 2026 in Armenia (Fully Funded)
• UNESCO Fellowship Programmes Worldwide 2026
• United Nations Volunteer Program 2026 | Application Process

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This programme is not a journalism school or an internship. It is a highly competitive professional development initiative designed for practicing journalists who already have reporting experience.

At AK Travels LTD, we strongly encourage applicants to demonstrate their previous reporting experience and clearly explain how they intend to translate anti-corruption discussions into impactful stories for their audiences.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com