THE United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) has launched the UNCCD COP17 Land and Drought Media Reporting Fellowship.
It is, therefore, seeking applications to support journalists covering one of the defining, yet underreported stories of our time: the growing pressure on the world’s land and what it means for food and water security, economic stability and global resilience.
Six journalists will be selected to report from UNCCD COP17, which will convene in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 17-28, 2026, to advance solutions for restoring land, strengthening drought resilience and safeguarding the ecosystems that sustain livelihoods around the world.
The fellowship aims to help bridge this gap by enabling journalists to report directly from the conference and the field, engage with leading experts and communities, and explore the solutions shaping a more resilient future.
Beyond covering negotiations, fellows will be encouraged to tell stories that highlight practical responses – from ecosystem restoration to drought preparedness – that are already making a difference.
COP17 will coincide with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 and highlight their role in global food security, sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and climate action.
The fellowship is open to professional journalists (staff or freelance) with a strong track record of reporting on environment, climate, agriculture, development, food systems, business, or related issues.
The deadline for applications is April 15, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.
Blessing Otoibhi is a Multimedia Journalist and Anchor host for the News in 60 seconds at The International Center For Investigative Reporting. You can shoot her a mail via Botoibhi@icirnigeria.org or connect on Twitter @B_otoibhi