Conference on Climate Journalism in Eastern Europe and Caucasus

Ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan, this half-day work shop is meant to give climate journalists a better idea of how to report on a UN climate change conference. Over the years, COPs have evolved from government negotiating platforms into huge climate fairs – a networking opportunity for more than 25,000 participants, with delegates from almost 200 countries, observers from business, NGOs and science, and thousands of accredited media representatives. Covering such an event is a challenging task, but the annual event presents a major opportunity for journalists worldwide to put renewed focus on the climate angle in their reporting. What are the key topics to watch this year in Baku? What makes good COP coverage? What are typical pitfalls to avoid? How can journalists collaborate? What counts beyond the reporting when visiting a COP?

Trainers: 

• Julian Wettengel, staff Correspondent for Clean Energy Wire
• Olha Boiko, CAN EECCA Coordinator

• Katherine Dunn, content editor at the Reuters Institute Oxford Climate Journalism Network

She has been at the OCJN since it began in January 2022. Since then, she and her colleagues have worked with around 600 journalists from more than 120 countries and territories, as well as hosting senior editors for climate leadership workshops. She was a co-author of the 2023 report from the EBU on climate strategy in newsrooms, and she regularly speaks to journalists and researchers about climate journalism.

Previously, she was an editor at Fortune magazine where she covered climate change and the energy transition. Before that, she worked for the Wall Street Journal, S&P Global Platts and Maclean’s. She is Canadian and lives in London.

• Anna Romandash, Journalist (UA)
• Alexej Ovchinnikov, Editor-in-Chief, UWEC UWEC Work Group (BY)
• Marine Leduc, Freelance journalist (RO)

The Black Sea, shared between 6 countries, is a central point in the Russian war against Ukraine as well as its victim. This nearly-closed sea has a fragile ecosystem that is vulnerable to climate change, but many protection and restoration projects have been suspended because of the war.

This workshop aims to help the participants learn about how to develop a cross-border story that would be interesting for audiences in diverse countries in the region and develop solutions-oriented media content instead of alarming reporting on climate and war.

• Denise Hruby, Freelance Journalist (AU/ USA)
• Katerina Topalova, Public Broadcaster (MK)
• Daiva Repeckaite, Freelance Journalist (LT)

This workshop aims to equip you with the tools to transform complex technical information into captivating and emotionally resonant climate stories. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to connect with your audience on a deeper level through the power of storytelling.

• Aleksandar Samardjiev (MK)
• Aneta Zachová, Euractiv.cz (CZ)

During the workshop experts will share insights of their work, focusing on how to integrate local elements into the broader picture and effectively convey local stories within the climate framework in your stories. Additionally, you will discuss the stringent regulations of the EU, providing guidance on how these rules can enhance agricultural productivity.

• Nico Schmidt, Investigate Europe
• Alexenia Dimitrova, Instructor in Journalism (BU)

Join us for an empowering workshop dedicated to equipping you with the tools and knowledge to effectively report on climate issues. This session will cover a range of essential topics, including where to find open and free climate information and data about your country, especially if national authorities withhold it.

You'll learn how to turn international datasets into local insights, uncover your government's climate commitments, and access information that debunks climate myths and fake news. We'll also guide you on fact-checking your climate stories, finding specific climate information, and visualizing your stories at no cost.

Discover unknown climate stories in your country, generate new story ideas, and enhance your expertise to write like a pro. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your climate journalism skills and make a significant impact.

• Iryna Nedaiborshch (UK)
• Natalia Belikova (BY) 

Moderation: Anneke Hudalla, n-ost (DE)

Belarusian-Ukrainian project, which focuses on the consequences the full scale invasion had on the Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. Due to Russia’s aggressive policies and the actions of the authoritarian Belarusian regime, which made Belarus a co-aggressor, many Ukrainians began to perceive Belarusians as enemies. This project offers the opportunity to experts, opinion leaders, political scientists, economists from both countries to explore how to find a way out of such a crisis situation, how to help Ukrainians separate Belarusians from the regime in Minsk, demonstrate that the Belarusian people do not support Russian aggression, and simultaneously feel guilt and shame for causing pain to Ukrainians. 

Join us for the discussion aimed at fostering common ground between Belarusians and Ukrainians. Recognizing that the future of a democratic Belarus is closely tied to Ukraine's victory in Russia's war in Ukraine, and now we must think about how we will build relations between our close peoples.

Organised by Mariam Devidze, Climate expert

Speakers from NGOs & Political Parties

Moderation: Lika Zakashivili, chief-editor Publika (GE)

• Viktoriya Ball, MSc, climate and health policy researcher and advocate (UA)

Eastern Europe and the Caucasus face unique socio-political obstacles to engagement in climate policy development. Meanwhile, the most important impact of climate change is the impact on people’s health. Media outlets have a crucial role in highlighting the health problems that could be prevented with climate action. 

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to understand how our region and their climate communication work fits into the wider international context of planetary health advancements. You will be able to enrich their skills through a media analysis of recent articles that will be collaboratively explored together with the speaker, which will be supplemented by recommendations by reputable international organisations and media working in planetary health.