IGF 2025 Support for Global South Journalists

Conference Scholarship Short Program
View on Map
Internet Governance Forum (IGF) posted 3 months ago
Posted: March 1, 2025 -Accepting applications

Opportunity Detail

Gender Male Female
Level Non-Degree /Short program
Eligible Region/Countries
Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Low-Income Countries (LICs), Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and Economies in Transition

Share with your friends
Share

Sponsored links
Medium of Instruction English
Field of study Journalism
Opportunity ID 80967
Funding Type Fully Funded
Duration 23-27 June 2025

Opportunity Description

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) invites journalists from the Global South to apply for support to cover the 20th Annual IGF, which will take place 23-27 June 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway. This initiative promotes insightful and diverse reporting on digital governance topics, amplifying Global South perspectives in global discussions.

Selected journalists will cover key issues such as digital trust, inclusion, human rights online, and emerging technologies. The program fosters in-depth coverage across diverse media platforms and builds a lasting network of journalists engaged in digital governance.

The IGF Secretariat, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), has launched this initiative to amplify Global South voices in digital governance. Journalists selected for this program will not only gain international exposure but also become part of a growing network of media professionals dedicated to shaping a more inclusive digital future.

Aims and Objectives

This initiative aims to improve the quality and diversity of reporting on digital governance and policy, including the following specific objectives:

Select a limited group of journalists from the Global South who are committed to covering digital issues, ensuring regional, gender, and diversity balance.
Promote in-depth, well-informed, and nuanced reporting on the 20th IGF and key digital governance topics.
Expand coverage across various media platforms to reach diverse audiences.
Foster a lasting network of Global South journalists to continue reporting on digital governance beyond the IGF.

Key Details and Dates

Application Deadline: 7 March 2025, 23:59 UTC
Program Duration: 23-27 June 2025
Funding Type: Fully funded (travel, accommodation, and per diem covered)
Organizer/Host Institution: IGF Secretariat (UN DESA)
Eligible Countries: Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Low-Income Countries (LICs), Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and Economies in Transition
Eligible Gender: Male/Female
Target Group: Professional journalists with experience covering digital issues
Fields: Digital governance, digital trust, human rights online, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies
Program Language: English
Host Country: Norway

Benefits and Financial Aids

Selected journalists will receive:

Full financial support, including travel, accommodation, and a per diem.
Exclusive access to the IGF 2025 sessions, allowing direct engagement with policymakers, tech leaders, and digital rights advocates.
Networking opportunities with fellow journalists, experts, and key stakeholders in digital governance.
Hands-on experience in covering global digital policy discussions, enhancing their expertise in the field.
Long-term engagement, with opportunities to continue collaborating with other journalists in digital policy reporting beyond the IGF.

Eligibility Criteria

Below are the requirements that applicants must meet:

Applicant must be a national of an LDC, LLDC, SIDS, LIC, LMIC, or Economy in Transition.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must be a professional journalist (employed or freelance) with at least three years of experience, including coverage of digital or technology-related issues.
Must be working for or regularly contributing to a recognized media outlet (personal blogs/websites/social media pages are not eligible).
Must have the necessary equipment for reporting (e.g., writing tools, recording devices for audio/video, photography gear).
Must submit accurate and complete application materials before the deadline.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit these documents:

Application form
Two links to recently published journalism stories (print, web, TV, radio)
English translations of stories published in other languages
Agreement to the terms and conditions outlined by the IGF

Selection Process

The selection process highlights are as follows:

Submit applications via the official form by the deadline.
No fees are charged for entry.
Submit all required information and documents as outlined in the application form.
Include at least two links to recently published stories (print, web, TV, radio) covering digital-related issues.
Non-English stories must include an English translation.
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Successful applicants will be informed in writing.
Selected journalists must participate in all program activities, including workshops and post-event reporting.
Expenses for travel, accommodation, and a stipend are covered.
Selected journalists must publish five stories in 2025 related to the IGF priority areas.