News Room’s Danielle Swain wins reporting fellowship to cover UN climate summit in Azerbaijan

Danielle Swain, a young journalist with News Room Guyana, has been awarded a fellowship by Climate Tracker to report on the UN Climate Summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Known for her commitment to local, indigenous and environmental issues, Danielle’s recent work for the News Room has focused on how carbon financing, channeled through Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), benefits indigenous communities and local populations. Her coverage highlights how funds from carbon credits support sustainable projects, improve infrastructure, and empower local groups in remote areas.

“This fellowship is a tremendous opportunity to deepen my understanding of climate policy and to connect with leading climate journalists and experts,” Danielle commented.

“Reporting from COP29 will help me to see how Guyana’s efforts to conserve the rainforest while earning figures in the global conversation to reward countries for keeping their forests intact.”

Through its fellowship programmes, Climate Tracker, a nonprofit organisation, connects young reporters to major events like the annual UN Climate Summits, offering them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and produce impactful stories on climate action, policy, and negotiations. In addition to fellowships, the organisation also runs workshops, conducts research, and produces toolkits and guides on climate change topics.

This fellowship places Swain among a global network of reporters covering COP29, where leaders will address climate financing and strategies for adaptation.

With Guyana’s unique position as a leader in carbon financing and environmental stewardship, Swain’s reporting from Baku will shine a spotlight on climate financing, forests and indigenous peoples.

Through her reports, Swain aims to amplify voices from Guyana and underscore the importance of robust climate financing for vulnerable nations.