Fully Funded Global Development Conference 2025 in France Opens Applications for Journalists

Applications are now being accepted for the Global Development Conference 2025, a fully funded event taking place in Clermont-Ferrand, France, from October 28-31, 2025. The conference, organized by the Global Development Network (GDN), offers journalists from around the world a unique opportunity to engage with academics, policymakers, and development experts on the theme of "Inclusive Digital Transformation: Social Impacts and Technological Innovations." Selected participants will receive full sponsorship covering travel and accommodation expenses.

Conference Focus: Digital Transformation and Global Development

The GlobalDev Conference aims to enhance the research communication skills of journalists by providing training programs and publishing opportunities. This year's theme emphasizes the critical role of inclusive digital transformation in addressing global development challenges. The conference will feature exclusive sessions for journalists, capacity-building workshops, and opportunities to co-design collaborative training programs in research communication.

Building Bridges Between Research and Media

"Bridging the gap between academic research and public understanding is crucial for informed policy decisions and effective development interventions," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading development economist at the Institute for Global Studies. "This conference provides a valuable platform for journalists to gain a deeper understanding of complex development issues and to communicate them effectively to a wider audience."

Conference Details and Benefits

Host Country: France Host Organisation: Global Development Network (GDN) Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France Dates: October 28–31, 2025

Selected participants will receive the following benefits:

Full travel grant to France Accommodation costs covered No registration or participation fees Networking opportunities with researchers, academics, and policymakers worldwide

Historical Context: The Evolution of Development Reporting

The focus on research communication for journalists aligns with a growing recognition of the importance of evidence-based reporting in the field of development. Historically, development reporting has often been criticized for its reliance on anecdotal evidence and lack of critical analysis. Initiatives like the GlobalDev Conference aim to address these shortcomings by equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to report on development issues with greater accuracy and depth.

Eligibility Criteria

The conference is open to journalists from all countries, with priority given to:

Women journalists Journalists from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) Individuals from underserved or underrepresented communities

Applicants must also:

Be available to travel to France and attend the full conference from October 28-31, 2025. Be interested in engaging with researchers, policymakers, and development experts and participating in capacity-building workshops. Be willing to contribute to collaborative training programs that connect research and media.

Application Process

Interested applicants must apply through the online application form. The application requires:

Personal and contact information Employment details Answers to specific questions CV/Resume upload Two links to published work Short motivation statement Description of a tentative publishing plan

Required Documents

CV/Resume Passport Published work links Any other relevant supporting material

Expert Perspective: The Role of Digital Transformation

“Digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for global development,” notes Dr. Ben Carter, a technology policy expert at the University of Oxford. “While digital technologies can facilitate access to information, improve service delivery, and promote economic growth, they can also exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of exclusion. It is crucial for journalists to critically examine the social impacts of digital transformation and to hold policymakers accountable for ensuring that these technologies are used in a way that benefits all members of society.”

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Global Development Conference 2025 is July 27, 2025.

Apply Now