Overview of UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia
Applications are open for the prestigious journalism fellowship programme for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 to be hosted in Armenia. The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is organizing this fully funded opportunity to be held during the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia from 19-30 October 2026.
UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia is a moment of immense importance for the global environmental policy. This will be the first biodiversity COP meeting beyond the halfway point to the COP19 in 2030 to review progress towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — the first global stocktake of progress towards the Global Biodiversity Framework. These targets are presented in the framework, which includes the ambitious “30×30” target to conserve 30% of the world’s land and seas by 2030.
Today, more than 48,000 species are threatened with extinction, and the loss of biodiversity is one of the biggest long-term threats to our planet. At the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia, the world will be evaluating progress towards achieving the international biodiversity targets and what steps are required to speed up implementation.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 fellowship program in Armenia seeks to expand the global reach of biodiversity-related issues and help ensure that critical decisions and outcomes are communicated to audiences worldwide. Selected journalists will be mentored by experienced environmental journalists and biodiversity experts to improve their reporting before, during and after the conference.
Main reasons to apply:
- Gain firsthand access to international biodiversity negotiations
- Connect with experts, policymakers, and high-level officials
- Receive mentorship from senior environmental journalists with UN summit experience
- Amplify biodiversity stories to audiences around the world
- Participate in daily briefings and interviews with conference leaders
- Join a diverse cohort of journalists from different media houses and geographies
The fellowship responds to the urgent need for stronger media coverage of biodiversity loss, which remains one of the most underreported global crises.
Financial Benefits of the Fully Funded Fellowship
Selected fellows for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia will receive comprehensive financial and logistical support:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Yerevan
- Accommodation for the full conference duration
- Daily meals during the fellowship period
- Travel medical insurance for the entire stay
- Local ground transportation related to fellowship activities
- Visa cost reimbursement (though obtaining visas is the fellow’s individual responsibility)
- Press accreditation support facilitated by organizers
- Logistical and editorial support from the Earth Journalism Network
- Access to expert briefings and mentorship opportunities
A minimum of 10 journalists will be selected through this call for the in-person fellowship. There is no application fee to apply.
Eligibility Criteria for Journalists
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia fellowship:
Professional Status:
- Be a professional journalist employed by an established media organization
- Freelance journalists with a strong track record of publication are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must submit a letter of support from an editor or media outlet confirming publication of their work
Geographic Requirement:
- You should be from or represent a low or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank.
Experience and Skills:
- Previous experience reporting on biodiversity/environmental/conservation issues
- Show a clear plan for reporting on COP17
- Good command of the English language
- Examples of previously published work on biodiversity topics in the last 12 months
Availability:
- Ready to attend the conference on-site in Yerevan, Armenia
- Arrive October 17 and depart on or after October 31, 2026
Important Note: Journalists who have attended previous biodiversity COPs with support from EJN are not eligible for this opportunity.
Required Documents for Application
When applying for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia, prepare these documents:
- Current CV or Resume showing your journalism experience
- Examples of recent work related to environmental or biodiversity reporting (published in last 12 months)
- Letter of support from editor, producer or supervisor confirming your reports will be published/broadcast
- Valid Passport Data
- Reporting Plan Possible COP17 Story Ideas
- English summaries of work samples in other languages
Application Transparency: The application asks applicants to disclose whether they used generative AI tools.EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants for undisclosed AI-generated content.
How to Apply for UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia
To be eligible for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia fellowship, please follow the below steps.
- Go to the official website of Earth Journalism Network
- At the top of the page, click on the ‘Apply now’ button.
- Sign in to your current account, or sign up for a new account.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Submit your CV, samples of work and supporting documents.
- Please apply BEFORE the deadline
Application Tips:
- Save Draft and review later (if necessary)
- Make sure that all documents are filled out before submitting.
- Don’t submit late as it may cause technical problems.
- Applications that are not complete will not be accepted.
For questions about the application process, contact info.ejn@internews.org.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia:
| Event | Date |
| Application Deadline | June 29, 2026, 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue) |
| Result Notification | Before the end of July 2026 |
| Conference Dates | October 19-30, 2026 |
| Arrival Date | October 17, 2026 |
| Departure Date | October 31, 2026 |
Is there an application fee for the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 in Armenia?
No, there is no application fee.
Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes, freelancers are welcome but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report.
How many journalists will be selected?
A minimum of 10 journalists will be selected for the in-person fellowship.
What happens if my visa is delayed?
Obtaining necessary visas is the fellow’s individual responsibility, though EJN will reimburse visa costs.
Can I report in my native language?
Yes, stories can be in any language, but you must provide English summaries and fully translate at least one story into English.
External Resources
- Official Earth Journalism Network Application Portal
- UN Convention on Biological Diversity Official Website
- World Bank Country Classifications
- More Fellowship Opportunities
Conclusion
UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 is an unmissable event for journalists to cover one of the most significant environmental gatherings of the decade in Armenia. The fellowship provides in-depth financial support, mentorship, and access to policymakers around the world, enabling journalists to cover stories that truly matter for the future of our planet.
Don’t wait – the deadline is June 29, 2026! Do not delay, join the global initiative to document and take action on biodiversity conservation.
