Applications invited for UN journalism fellowships

The fellowships are available to radio, television, print and web journalists, age 25-35, from developing countries who are interested in going to New York to report on international affairs during the 66th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. The fellowships will begin in mid-September and extend to late November and will include the cost of travel and accommodations in New York, as well as a per diem allowance.

Open to developing countries

The fellowship program is open to journalists who are native to one of the developing countries in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, and are currently working full-time for a bona fide media organisation in a developing nation. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the United Nations to their readers and audiences. They must also have approval from their media organisations to spend up to two months in New York to report from the UN.

For 2011 only, the fund will not accept applications from the countries of the 2010 fellows - Nepal, Peru, South Africa and Togo - in an effort to rotate recipient countries.

Obeserving international diplomatic deliberations

The journalists who are awarded fellowships will get an opportunity to observe international diplomatic deliberations at the UN, make professional contacts, interact with seasoned journalists from around the world, and gain a broader perspective and understanding of matters of global concern. The program is not intended to provide basic skills training to journalists, as all participants must be working media professionals.

This is the 50th year the Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund has sponsored the fellowship program for journalists. The program is administered on a volunteer basis by journalists at the UN who raise money from foundations, corporations and diplomatic missions to finance it.

Information on eligibility and documentation requirements, and fellowship application forms are available on http://unjournalismfellowship.org/node/565.

Questions about the program, eligibility and application process can be directed to gro.pihswollefmsilanruojnu@2ofni.