As COP17 opens in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian journalists bring climate and heritage stories to the public

Designed as an editorial pathway rather than a series of one-off lectures, the programme guided journalists from story idea to publication. During three online pitch clinics in late May, participants developed broad topics into focused, audience-oriented story concepts. In June, two in-person sessions connected reporters with national scientists and heritage specialists. Two online technical sessions then strengthened practical skills in identifying climate misinformation through verification, open-source intelligence and fact-checking, and in using narrative-led data visualization. A dedicated session with UNCCD experts also helped participants understand the issues at stake at COP17 in Ulaanbaatar.

The programme culminated in a two-day, in-person bootcamp on 13 and 14 August. Journalists refined their drafts story by story using a shared editorial framework: a human-centred protagonist, clear stakes and urgency, accessible science, a solutions-oriented approach, rigorous verification, and transparent disclosure of any use of artificial intelligence. Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, opened the bootcamp and underscored the importance of reliable, independent journalism for effective climate action. Ms. Qingyi Zeng of the Regional Office introduced UNESCO's “Reporting the Environment: A Practical Manual for Journalists” as a working resource. Participants also learned from a Mongolian broadcaster who had reported from UNFCCC COP30 in Belem, Brazil, and connected with the international climate media platform We Don't Have Time, creating opportunities to reach global audiences.

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