The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) is accepting applications for the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027 in Qatar. This fully funded opportunity is open to professional journalists from 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Selected journalists will travel to Doha, Qatar, from 25 to 27 March 2027 to attend and report on the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). The fellowship will select 10 journalists and cover round-trip economy-class airfare, accommodation and meal allowances, along with access to programme briefings and networking opportunities.
The fellowship aims to strengthen media coverage of sustainable development challenges and progress in Least Developed Countries. Journalists will have an opportunity to report on international discussions and explain how global development commitments affect their national and local communities.
Applications are open until 30 November 2026. There is no application fee.
WhatsApp ChannelAbout the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027
The Doha Programme of Action is a United Nations framework designed to accelerate sustainable development in Least Developed Countries and support their graduation from the LDC category.
The 2027 Midterm Review will assess progress, identify implementation gaps and strengthen partnerships for the remaining years of the programme. Selected fellows will cover the event and produce journalism that connects international policy discussions with the realities of people living in LDCs.
The fellowship will select 10 journalists who demonstrate professional experience and an interest in sustainable development reporting.
Also Check: Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 Fellowship in the Netherlands
UN Journalism Fellowship Benefits
The selected fellows will receive the following financial and professional support:
- Round-trip airfare: Economy-class travel to and from Doha, Qatar.
- Daily allowance: Financial support for accommodation and meals in accordance with applicable United Nations rules.
- Pre-conference orientation: Participation in orientation activities, where applicable.
- Fellowship briefings: Access to programme briefings and networking opportunities.
- International exposure: An opportunity to cover a major United Nations development conference and engage with international discussions.
Also Check: Stanford Journalism Fellowship 2027-28 in USA
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected journalists must participate in all required fellowship activities during the Midterm Review and publish at least three substantive journalism outputs related to the event and DPoA implementation.
The required outputs include:
- Before the Review: One report introducing the Midterm Review and relevant development issues.
- During the Review: One report covering discussions, announcements or perspectives from Doha.
- After the Review: One report examining the outcomes, implications and follow-up actions for LDC audiences.
Fellows must share links to their published work by 30 April 2027.
Also Check: Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 in the USA
Priority Areas
Applicants are encouraged to develop reporting proposals around one or more of the six priority areas of the Doha Programme of Action:
- Investing in people through poverty reduction, healthcare, education and social protection.
- Leveraging science, technology and innovation to address development challenges and the digital divide.
- Supporting structural transformation through economic diversification and sustainable growth.
- Enhancing international trade and regional integration.
- Addressing climate change, environmental degradation and resilience.
- Mobilizing international solidarity, partnerships and innovative financing.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027:
- Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of one of the 44 United Nations-designated Least Developed Countries.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Professional experience: A minimum of two years of professional journalism experience is required.
- Media affiliation: Applicants must be bona fide journalists whose work is regularly published or broadcast by a recognized media outlet. Both staff and freelance journalists can apply.
- Travel availability: Applicants must be willing and able to travel to Doha, Qatar, and participate in all required fellowship activities.
- Development reporting: Applicants should demonstrate an interest in sustainable development, particularly the DPoA priority areas.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare three documents before completing the online application:
1. Short Biography (Maximum 300 Words)
The biography should include the applicant’s current professional position, media affiliations, years of journalism experience, reporting expertise, languages spoken and previous experience related to DPoA priority areas.
2. Two Published Work Samples
Applicants must submit two previously published journalism pieces. Accepted formats include print, online, radio, television, multimedia and digital journalism projects. At least one sample must address development-related issues.
3. Reporting Proposal (Maximum 400 Words)
The proposal should explain the story angles the applicant intends to cover during the Midterm Review, their importance to LDC audiences, planned reporting formats, and the intended publication outlets and strategy.
Important Dates
| Open call | 27 September – 19 November 2026 |
| Eligibility and scoring | 22 November – 17 December 2026 |
| Award letters | Before 31 December 2026 |
| Online orientation | February 2027 |
| Midterm Review in Doha | 25–27 March 2027 |
| Publication deadline | 30 April 2027 |
How to Apply for the UN Journalism Fellowship 2027?
Interested journalists must complete the online application through the official United Nations application portal. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare all three required documents before starting the application. Incomplete, late or non-compliant applications will not be considered.
