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The Internet Governance Forum calls for support for global south journalists! Recognizing the critical role of journalism in shaping the global digital discourse, this initiative seeks to amplify Global South voices. Selected journalists will have the opportunity to highlight key issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, data governance, digital economy, human rights online, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Opportunity Details
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF)’s first-ever support to journalists from the Global South is an initiative to promote insightful, balanced, and impactful journalism on digital governance and its dynamics, as they are discussed at the IGF. It aims to attract journalists from the Global South who have experience with digital issues to cover the 19th Annual IGF on “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future”, scheduled for 15-19 December 2024 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing the critical role of journalism in shaping the global digital discourse, this initiative seeks to amplify Global South voices. Selected journalists will have the opportunity to highlight key issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, data governance, digital economy, human rights online, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The initiative is supported by the IGF Secretariat and subject to availability of funding.
Narratives on digital governance often lack localized insights and the perspectives of those most affected. Enhanced journalistic focus through a local, national or regional lens can elevate coverage of urgent issues, foster more inclusive policy discussions, and ensure that global digital policies are informed by diverse voices and community contexts.
Journalists from the Global South are now invited to apply!
Aims and Objectives
The overarching goal of the initiative is to enhance the quality and diversity of reporting on digital governance and policy.
Specific objectives include:
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to generate high-quality reporting that captures the complexity and urgency of digital governance challenges and opportunities facing the Global South and/or from a Global South perspective, during and after the 19th IGF meeting.
A longer-term desired outcome is the establishment of a robust network of journalists from the Global South engaged in the digital policy discourse and contributing to sustained awareness of critical digital matters discussed at the IGF.
Why Participate?
Network – Participate in all IGF has to offer and connect with fellow journalists, policymakers, and experts on the digital issues of the day.
Learn - Gain insights into priority and emerging issues, including the development of digital cooperation frameworks like the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
Impact - Your reporting can drive positive change within the global digital discourse.
Eligibility:
1. Participants must be nationals of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Low Income Countries (LICs), Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs) or Economies in Transition [p.135] and at least 18 years old.
2. Participants must be currently employed or freelancing as a journalist with at least three years of experience in journalism, including coverage of tech or digital issues, working for a recognized media outlet or freelancing, whose work has been regularly published by a recognized media outlet.
3. By submitting an application, you hereby warrant that all information submitted by you is true, current and complete. The Organizers reserve the right to verify the eligibility of all applicants.
4. The Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any applicant if there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant has breached any of the Terms and Conditions.
Application and Selection Process:
5. Applicants must submit their applications before the deadline via the official form HERE.
6. At no stage in the application process will there be a fee charged for entry.
7. All information and/or documents must be submitted in the format outlined in the application form.
8. Applications must include at least two links to recently published stories (print, web, TV, radio) by the applicant. Stories must be carried by a recognized media outlet.
9. Stories must cover digital-related issues.
10. Stories can be submitted in any language. Stories in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation.
11. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection, Awards and Participation:
12. Successful applicants will be informed in writing.
13. Selected journalists (the "Participants") agree to take part in the entire programme associated with this initiative, including any dedicated workshops held before and/or during the IGF and post-IGF reporting.
14. Participants consent to the use of their names, likenesses, and submitted work for promotional purposes in connection with the initiative.
15. The initiative will cover expenses associated with travel, accommodation, and a stipend as outlined in the acceptance letter.
16. The offer for successful applicants to participate in the 19th Annual IGF, to be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 15 to 19 December 2024, is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.
17. Journalists taking part in the initiative agree to publish at least a total of five (5) stories in 2024 related to the priority areas of the 19th Annual IGF.
Intellectual Property:
18. Journalists participating in the initiative retain ownership of their submitted works and any derivative works created during the conference.
19. However, by participating, journalists grant the initiative and its partners a royalty-free, perpetual, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, and display content for purposes related to the initiative.
20. Your application and any information submitted by you must be personal and relate specifically to you.
You hereby warrant that your application and all information which you submit and/or distribute will not infringe the intellectual property, privacy or any other rights of any third party, and will not contain anything which is libelous, defamatory, obscene, indecent, harassing or threatening. If relevant, the initiative reserves the right, but not the obligation, to screen, filter and/or monitor information provided by you and to edit, refuse to distribute or remove the same.
Obligations:
21. Global South journalists participating in the initiative are expected to adhere to the highest journalistic standards and ethics.
22. Participants are responsible for complying with all local laws and regulations, including those pertaining to media and publication.
Liability:
23. The initiative will not be liable for late, lost, incomplete, or misdirected submissions, or for any technical malfunctions that may occur.
24. Participants are responsible for any personal tax liabilities that arise from accepting the award.
Disqualification:
25. The initiative reserves the right to disqualify any participant that violates these Terms or engages in conduct detrimental to the initiative, at its sole discretion.
Dispute Resolution:
26. Any disputes arising in connection with these Terms will be resolved through binding arbitration, to be held in the jurisdiction where the initiative is organized.
Amendments:
27. The initiative organizers reserve the right to amend these Terms at any time.
Acknowledgement:
28. By applying, participants acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these Terms.
Any journalist who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for this opportunity by 18 October 2024, 23:59 UTC, using this link: https://forms.office.com/e/P5qfMb6F3P
Apply for The Internet Governance Forum (IGF)’s Support for Global South Journalists