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Introduction

The future of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), espoused by SIDS, must be based on “resilient prosperity.” The “Voice the Future SIDS Journalism Campaign.” a drumbeat supporting this ethos, is a United Nations initiative designed to promote SIDS based reporting, and to attract both developing and accomplished journalists from SIDS member countries to cover the pivotal Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4), scheduled for 27-30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda.

This initiative recognizes the critical role journalism plays in shaping the sustainable development narrative, including shinning a spotlight on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by SIDS, by emphasizing issues such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, access to finance, sustainable tourism, economic transformation etc. The initiative is spear-headed by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

Experience with the SAMOA Pathway, the predecessor to the new SIDS agenda, showed that the SAMOA Pathway remained scantly visible to the very SIDS communities it sought to serve. Where there was coverage, it was mainly through the United Nations or global media entities with very little available through SIDS based media outlets.  Enhanced journalistic focus can elevate coverage of the urgent development issues of critical importance to SIDS, inform policy, attract investment, and foster international cooperation. There is a dire need for increased media representation specific to SIDS that articulates these issues with cultural insight and local knowledge. The Voice the Future SIDS Journalism campaign seeks to capitalize on the Fourth SIDS International Conference to promote wider coverage of SIDS development issues by SIDS based media including the new agenda for SIDS development, the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. 

Aims and Objectives

The overarching goal of the “Voice the Future SIDS Journalism Campaign” is to enhance the quality and reach of SIDS sustainable development-related reporting.

Specific objectives include:

1. To select a cadre of journalists with a passion for highlighting SIDS sustainable development issues
2. To promote in-depth, knowledgeable, and culturally nuanced coverage of the Fourth International Conference on SIDS and other SIDS related issues.
3. To facilitate the building of a network of SIDS-focused journalists who can continue to share knowledge and coverage on SIDS sustainable development matters beyond the conference.

Expected Outcomes

In the short term, the initiative aims to generate quality SIDS reporting; a series of high-caliber articles and reports etc., before, during and after the Fourth SIDS International Conference that capture the essence and urgency of SIDS' sustainable development issues.

Long-term outcomes include the establishment of a dedicated stream of SIDS-centric news content and the fostering of a robust network of journalists highly engaged in SIDS sustainable development issues, contributing to sustained international, regional and local awareness and advocacy on what is at stake for SIDS in relation to their sustainable development, in the context of the new SIDS agenda, and the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.

How to Apply

Any journalist who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for this fellowship by 10 April 2024, 11:59 p.m. EDT, using this link:   

Documentation

Please find the Terms and Conditions  

Please find a full concept note 

SIDS4 one-page overview 

Call for submissions