Journalist from The Astana Times Chosen for Esteemed Reham Al-Farra United Nations Fellowship
The Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship (RAF) is an esteemed international program, run by the United Nations, designed for young journalists from developing countries and economies in transition. Launched by the UN General Assembly in December 1980, the fellowship was originally named the DPI Training Program for Broadcasters and Journalists from Developing Countries, but was later renamed in 2003 in memory of Reham Al-Farra, a UN Public Information Officer from Jordan who tragically lost her life in the bombing of the UN office in Baghdad in August 2003 [1].
The fellowship attracts journalists from around the world, with a diverse cohort of 17 individuals selected competitively from hundreds of applicants [2]. This year, Assel Satubaldina, a managing editor at The Astana Times, has been chosen for the fellowship. Satubaldina, who boasts over 10 years of experience in multimedia reporting, aims to use the fellowship to expand her knowledge and amplify the voice of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in global decision-making [3].
During the 3- to 4-week program, fellows attend special briefings, interview senior UN officials, and build international networks with peers worldwide [1]. In the past, fellows have met with the UN Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations from their country [4]. This year's virtual program is scheduled to run in September and October.
Assel Satubaldina is especially excited about the opportunity to interview senior UN officials and to build long-lasting relationships with colleagues from different parts of the world [3]. The fellowship does not provide specific details about the activities or curriculum, but it offers direct access to top officials and peer collaboration, empowering journalists to enhance their skills and understanding of the UN system [1][2][3][5].
In conclusion, the RAF Fellowship is a fully funded, highly selective journalism fellowship commemorating Reham al-Farra’s legacy, providing a unique opportunity for journalists worldwide to deepen their engagement with international affairs and coverage of the UN.
[1] United Nations, "The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship." https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/unfpa/what-we-do/advocacy/reham-al-farra-memorial-journalism-fellowship
[2] United Nations, "The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship: Frequently Asked Questions." https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/unfpa/what-we-do/advocacy/reham-al-farra-memorial-journalism-fellowship/frequently-asked-questions
[3] The Astana Times, "Assel Satubaldina Selected for the Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship." https://astanatimes.com/2025/04/assel-satubaldina-selected-for-the-reham-al-farra-memorial-journalism-fellowship/
[4] United Nations, "The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship: Past Participants." https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/unfpa/what-we-do/advocacy/reham-al-farra-memorial-journalism-fellowship/past-participants
[5] United Nations, "The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship: Program Highlights." https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/unfpa/what-we-do/advocacy/reham-al-farra-memorial-journalism-fellowship/program-highlights
- The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship, an esteemed international program, offers a unique opportunity for journalists to engage with general news related to international affairs and the United Nations, as demonstrated by Assel Satubaldina's aim to amplify the voice of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in global decision-making.
- This education-and-self-development opportunity, run by the United Nations, provides a platform for journalists to expand their knowledge through special briefings, peer collaboration, and interactions with senior UN officials, thereby enhancing their professional profiles and contribution to general news reporting.
