UN Visiting Journalists Program

The REham Al-Farra Memorial Journalists’ Fellowship Programme was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980, when it requested the Secretary-General to initiate a programme of fellowships for broadcasters and journalists from developing countries.  Formerly known as the DPI Training Programme for Broadcasters and Journalists from Developing Countries, it was renamed in honour of Reham Al-Farra, a young journalist and DPI staff member killed in the attack on United Nations headquarters in Baghdad in 2003.

Participants will receive briefings from United Nations officials on issues of priority to the Organization.  They will also visit major media organizations in New York, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta to observe their operations; and they will have the opportunity to serve as temporary United Nations correspondents, covering United Nations meetings and activities on behalf of their home media organizations.

For approximately 20 years, UNAR has worked with the UN to coordinate a weekend out of the journalists’ busy schedule where they come to Rochester to spend time with some American families and enjoy the sites. While in Rochester, the journalists stay with host families, and one of the experiences appreciated by both the families and their guests is the ability to openly discuss differences in customs, beliefs, perceptions, and social trends. The journalists also are able to enjoy local attractions, including a boat ride on the Erie Canal, and visits to the George Eastman House and Niagara Falls. They will receive a guided tour of Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle and several journalists will be interviewed live on WXXI.

This year the journalists will be in Rochester from September 30th to October 3rd.

The weekend concludes with a conference hosted by UNAR. The Freedom of the Press Conference will be held on October 3rd - please mark your calendars!

The UN Visiting Journalist Program provides Rochester a valuable glimpse into many hard-to-reach places around the world and is a great experience for everyone involved.

If you would like to participate in this year's UN Visiting Journalists Programme as a host family, please contact the office at 585-473-7286 or e-mail us.