Deadline: April 3, 2026
The UN Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026 presents an incredible opportunity for young, full-time journalists from developing countries and economies in transition to gain firsthand experience covering the United Nations (UN). This prestigious fellowship allows participants to engage directly with senior UN officials, attend high-level meetings, and report on major global issues during the UN General Assembly in New York.
About the UN Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026
Established in memory of Reham Al-Farra, a former journalist and UN staff member, the fellowship aims to promote deeper understanding of the UN’s work and international affairs among young media professionals. The programme brings together talented journalists from around the world, offering them the chance to interact with colleagues, UN experts, and world leaders while strengthening their reporting skills on global development and diplomacy.
Each year, a select group of journalists is invited to the UN Headquarters in New York to participate in intensive briefings, special sessions, and interviews with UN senior officials. Participants also have the opportunity to cover key events of the UN General Assembly, providing real-time stories and perspectives for their respective media outlets.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the UN Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a full-time working journalist.
- Be between 22 and 35 years old as of 1 September 2026.
- Hold nationality from a developing country or a country with an economy in transition (a comprehensive list of eligible countries includes Nigeria and many others).
- Have professional experience in print, broadcast, or digital journalism, with a strong focus on international issues.
Key Benefits
Successful fellows will:
- Participate in special briefings and interactive sessions with senior UN officials.
- Gain exclusive access to UN experts, diplomats, and policymakers.
- Network and exchange ideas with journalists from across the world.
- Cover major events of the UN General Assembly for their respective media outlets.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the United Nations’ work, operations, and global priorities.
The fellowship provides journalists with a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of international relations while amplifying the voices of their countries in global discussions.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit a complete application package including the following materials:
- Five recent work samples (published within the last six months) that demonstrate reporting related to the UN or its key priority areas.
- A copy of passport or national identification document.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English.
- Two reference letters from editors, supervisors, or relevant professional contacts.
All materials must be submitted in English through the official UN online application portal before the deadline.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 3 April 2026
- Programme Period: September 2026 (during the UN General Assembly Session)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials early to avoid last-minute technical challenges.
Why You Should Apply
The UN Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026 is more than a professional development opportunity — it is a transformative experience. Fellows gain international exposure, build cross-border networks, and acquire critical insights into the UN’s operations and global policymaking processes. For journalists passionate about development, human rights, peacebuilding, and diplomacy, this fellowship represents a remarkable step towards international recognition and professional growth.
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