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 international conference taking place in Clermont-Ferrand, France, from October 28-31, 2025. The conference, organized by the Global Development Network (GDN), offers a unique opportunity for journalists worldwide to enhance their research communication skills and engage with leading academics, policymakers, and development experts.

Selected participants will receive full sponsorship to attend the four-day conference, covering travel and accommodation expenses. This year's theme, "Inclusive Digital Transformation: Social Impacts and Technological Innovations," will explore the crucial role of digital technologies in achieving sustainable development goals while addressing potential inequalities.

Conference Highlights: Focus on Research Communication

The GlobalDev Conference aims to bridge the gap between research and media, providing journalists with training programs and publishing opportunities to make complex research accessible to wider audiences. The conference will feature exclusive sessions for journalists, capacity-building workshops, and opportunities to co-design collaborative training programs in research communication.

“In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the ability of journalists to accurately and effectively communicate research findings is more critical than ever," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading media researcher at the University of Oxford. "Conferences like GlobalDev play a vital role in equipping journalists with the tools and networks necessary to inform the public and shape policy discussions.”

Benefits of Attending

No registration or participation fees. Fully funded travel to France. Covered accommodation costs. Networking opportunities with researchers, academics, and policymakers from around the world. Opportunity to visit France without financial constraints.

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 be available to travel to France and attend the full conference from October 28-31, 2025, in Clermont-Ferrand. They should also demonstrate an interest in engaging with researchers, policymakers, and development experts, participating in capacity-building workshops, and contributing to collaborative training programs that connect research and media.

How to Apply

Interested journalists must apply through an online application form. The application requires:

Personal and contact information Employment details Answers to specific questions CV/Resume Two links to published work A short motivation statement A description of the applicant's tentative publishing plan

Applicants must also agree to the terms and conditions before submitting their application.

Required Documents

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

Historical Context and the Importance of Development Journalism

The Global Development Conference builds upon a growing recognition of the importance of development journalism in fostering informed public discourse and promoting evidence-based policymaking. The field has evolved significantly since the early days of development communication, which often focused on top-down dissemination of information. Today, development journalism emphasizes critical analysis, investigative reporting, and participatory approaches that empower local communities.

“The rise of digital technologies has created both opportunities and challenges for development journalism," notes Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a specialist in international development at the London School of Economics. "While the internet has facilitated greater access to information and enabled citizen journalism, it has also amplified the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Conferences like GlobalDev are crucial for equipping journalists with the skills and ethical frameworks needed to navigate this complex landscape.”

Application Deadline

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

Apply Now

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills, network with leading experts, and contribute to shaping global discussions on inclusive digital transformation.