UN DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027

Applications are open for the UN DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027, a fully funded international opportunity for professional journalists from the world's Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Organised by UN-OHRLLS, the fellowship will select 10 journalists to attend and report from the High-level Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action, taking place in Doha, Qatar, from 25 to 27 March 2027.

The Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) provides a global framework for supporting sustainable development in Least Developed Countries during 2022–2031. Its Midterm Review will examine progress, challenges and international cooperation needed to advance development commitments.

Through this fellowship, journalists will gain direct exposure to important development discussions and report on issues affecting communities in their countries.

Reporting may focus on six priority areas:

• Poverty reduction, education, health and social development
• Science, technology and innovation
• Economic transformation and sustainable growth
• International trade and regional cooperation
• Climate change, environmental protection and resilience
• International partnerships and development cooperation

Selected journalists must produce at least three substantive reports related to the Midterm Review: one before the event, one during the conference and one afterwards.

The fellowship aims to strengthen public understanding of international development commitments and their practical implications for Least Developed Countries.

Applicants must meet the following officially confirmed requirements:

• Nationality: Be a national of one of the 44 eligible Least Developed Countries.
• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Professional Background: Be a practising staff or freelance journalist whose work is regularly published or broadcast by a recognised media outlet.
• Work Experience: Have at least two years of professional journalism experience.
• Availability: Be willing and able to travel to Doha and participate in all required fellowship activities and briefings.
• Development Interest: Demonstrate an interest in sustainable development, particularly issues covered by the Doha Programme of Action.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, 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 and Zambia.

The UN officially describes this fellowship as fully funded.

Selected fellows will receive:

• Round-Trip Airfare: Economy-class travel to Doha, Qatar.
• Accommodation Allowance: Daily subsistence support covering accommodation under applicable UN rules.
• Meals Allowance: Meal expenses supported through the daily subsistence allowance.
• Orientation: Participation in pre-conference orientation activities, where applicable.
• UN Briefings: Access to dedicated fellowship briefings.
• International Networking: Opportunities to interact with journalists and individuals involved in international development discussions.
• Professional Experience: First-hand reporting experience at a high-level United Nations event.

Applicants must prepare the following three application components:

• Professional Biography (Maximum 300 Words): Include current professional position, media affiliation, years of journalism experience, areas of reporting expertise, languages spoken and relevant development-reporting experience.
• Two Published Journalism Samples: Submit two examples of previously published or broadcast work from print, online, radio, television or multimedia journalism. At least one sample should address development-related issues.
• Reporting Proposal (Maximum 400 Words): Explain the story angles you intend to pursue, their importance to LDC audiences, the proposed reporting formats and your intended publication strategy.

The official announcement confirms an eligibility review and scoring process. The application requirements indicate the following relevant areas:

• Satisfaction of all mandatory eligibility requirements
• Professional journalism background and required experience
• Submission of two published work samples
• Inclusion of development-related reporting
• A reporting proposal addressing issues relevant to LDC audiences
• Demonstrated interest in sustainable development and the DPoA priorities
• Compliance with application requirements and word limits

• United Nations Exposure: Gain professional experience reporting on an important international development event.
• International Journalism Experience: Cover high-level discussions and development priorities directly from Doha.
• Professional Networking: Connect with individuals involved in journalism and international development.
• Development Reporting: Strengthen your understanding of issues affecting Least Developed Countries.
• Portfolio Development: Produce substantive reporting that can contribute to your professional journalism portfolio.
• Public Impact: Help audiences understand how international development commitments affect their communities.