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. This year's conference focuses on "Inclusive Digital Transformation: Social Impacts and Technological Innovations" and offers a unique platform for journalists to enhance their research communication abilities and engage with global development issues.

Selected journalists will receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, covering travel and accommodation expenses. The conference provides an opportunity to interact with academics, policymakers, development experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Conference Overview

Organized by the Global Development Network (GDN), the conference aims to improve the research communication skills of journalists by offering training programs and publishing opportunities to broaden the accessibility of their work. Participants will have the opportunity to shape global discussions on critical development topics.

Key Benefits for Participating Journalists:

Full funding for travel to and accommodation in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Networking opportunities with researchers, academics, and policymakers worldwide. Participation in capacity-building workshops focused on effective communication of development issues. Opportunity to contribute to collaborative training programs in research communication. Access to exclusive sessions on the conference theme: "Inclusive Digital Transformation: Social Impacts and Technological Innovations".

Expert Perspective on the Importance of Research Communication

"In an era dominated by misinformation, the role of journalists in accurately and effectively communicating research findings is more critical than ever," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a communications specialist at the Institute for Global Policy Studies. "Conferences like the Global Development Conference provide a vital platform for journalists to connect with researchers, understand complex data, and translate it into accessible narratives for the public. This bridging of the gap between research and public understanding is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy implementation."

Eligibility Criteria

The conference is open to journalists from all countries. However, priority will be 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. They should also demonstrate an interest in engaging with researchers, policymakers, and development experts and participating in capacity-building workshops. A willingness to contribute to collaborative training programs that connect research and media is also required.

The Growing Importance of Digital Transformation in Development

The focus on "Inclusive Digital Transformation" is particularly relevant in the current global landscape. The rapid advancement of technology presents both opportunities and challenges for development. While digital tools can accelerate progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, they also risk exacerbating existing inequalities if access and usage are not equitable. This conference provides a timely forum for exploring how to ensure that digital transformation benefits all members of society, especially marginalized communities.

Application Process

Interested journalists must apply through an online application form. The application requires personal and contact information, employment details, answers to specific questions, a CV, links to two published work samples, a short motivation statement, and a description of a tentative publishing plan.

Required Documents:

CV Passport Published work links Any other relevant supporting material

Historical Context and Current Relevance of Development Scholarships

Scholarships and fully funded conferences like this one play a crucial role in fostering global development. Historically, such initiatives have been instrumental in empowering individuals from developing countries to access education and training opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. This, in turn, contributes to building local capacity and promoting sustainable development in their home countries. In the current context, with increasing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, these opportunities are even more critical for equipping the next generation of leaders and change-makers with the knowledge and skills they need to address these complex issues.

According to a recent report by UNESCO, scholarships for students and professionals from developing countries have a significant multiplier effect, leading to increased innovation, economic growth, and social progress in their communities. By investing in human capital through scholarships and training programs, the global community can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Deadline

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

Apply Now