Eighth Global Environment Facility Assembly Fellowship Program – fundsforNGOs

Five early- to mid-career reporters from low- and middle-income countries will be selected for a fellowship to cover the Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The program is designed to strengthen rigorous, solutions-focused journalism on climate finance, biodiversity protection, and environmental resilience by providing access, training, and on-the-ground support during one of the world’s key gatherings on environmental funding and policy.

What the fellowship offers

• Full participation in the GEF Assembly, including high-level plenaries, thematic sessions, and side events focused on climate adaptation, nature conservation, pollution reduction, and environmental partnerships.
• Mentorship from veteran environment correspondents, with daily guidance to sharpen story angles, source key voices, and interpret complex finance and policy developments.
• Financial support to cover travel and participation costs, ensuring fellows can report from Samarkand for the full duration of the event.
• Access to organized field visits, press briefings, and networking opportunities with policymakers, scientists, community leaders, and civil society organizations.

Who should apply

The program targets professional journalists working in print, digital, radio, television, or multimedia who have demonstrated interest or experience in covering climate change, biodiversity, environmental justice, or environmental finance. Strong English-language skills are required, as briefings, interviews, and official proceedings will be conducted in English.

Key dates and logistics

• Location: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
• Arrival: Fellows must arrive by May 31, 2026
• Commitment: All selected reporters are expected to remain for the full week of the Assembly

Selected participants will receive detailed travel guidance, accreditation support, and a schedule of mandatory briefings and editorial check-ins. Fellows should be prepared for long reporting days, rapid policy developments, and tight deadlines typical of major environmental summits.

Why this Assembly matters

The GEF Assembly is a pivotal forum where governments, international agencies, and civil society chart pathways for funding and implementing environmental priorities. Discussions often influence how resources flow to climate adaptation, nature protection, and pollution reduction—especially in countries most vulnerable to environmental shocks. For journalists, the Assembly is a rare opportunity to connect big-picture finance and policy commitments to local realities and to hold decision-makers accountable through evidence-based reporting.

What fellows will do on the ground

• Join orientation sessions to understand the Assembly’s agenda, funding mechanisms, and negotiation dynamics.
• Attend daily editorial briefings to refine story ideas and coordinate coverage with mentors and peers.
• Report from high-level meetings and side events, prioritizing stories that translate complex policy into public-interest journalism.
• Participate in field visits to gather ground-level perspectives and real-world examples of funded initiatives and community-led solutions.
• Network with experts and delegates to cultivate sources for future environmental reporting.

Selection overview

• Number of fellows: Five
• Eligibility: Journalists from low- and middle-income countries
• Experience: Professional reporting background; environmental beat experience strongly preferred
• Language: Strong English proficiency required
• Support: Funding provided for travel and participation
• Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from senior environmental journalists

What successful applicants bring

Competitive candidates will demonstrate a track record of impactful stories, original sourcing, and the ability to distill complex environmental and financial topics for general audiences. Clear plans for producing timely coverage from the Assembly—such as a series of features, explainers, audio segments, or multimedia packages—will strengthen applications. Editors’ support is an asset but not mandatory if the journalist can show viable publication plans.

Impact beyond the Assembly

The fellowship is structured to build lasting skills and relationships. Participants will leave with deeper knowledge of climate finance and policy, stronger source networks, and story leads that extend beyond the event. The aim is to catalyze sustained, high-quality reporting that informs the public, elevates under-heard voices, and scrutinizes how environmental funds are allocated and implemented.

This opportunity centers journalists from regions most affected by climate and biodiversity risks, recognizing that nuanced, locally grounded reporting is essential to driving accountability and accelerating just, effective environmental action.