Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The 3rd edition of the IGAD Media Awards concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recognizing outstanding journalistic contributions in climate action across the Horn of Africa.
The IGAD Media Awards 2025, themed “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region,” aimed to shed light on the pressing issues of climate change affecting the IGAD region, which includes countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Uganda, and Burundi. The event was a platform to honor resilience and the critical role of storytelling in addressing climate change.
The awards, organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), recognized and rewarded excellence in climate journalism and environmental storytelling. They aimed to inspire innovative reporting on climate adaptation and mitigation, foster partnerships between journalists, climate experts, and decision-makers, and build public awareness and accountability on climate resilience in the region.
Winners of the awards received trophies and gold medals, along with token prizes. They also gained accreditation to IGAD high-level events, a two-day masterclass on climate journalism, and access to IGAD experts and partner networks for future collaboration. This recognition is a testament to the significant impact that journalists can have in raising awareness and driving action on climate change.
Journalists and media professionals from the eight IGAD Member States, freelancers, digital content creators, photographers, and foreign correspondents reporting on climate change in the region were eligible for the awards. The ceremony, held at the Skylight Hotel, brought together journalists, creators, government representatives, and development partners to celebrate the winners and the importance of their work.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of climate change and the role of media in addressing it. According to reports from igad.int, the awards aim to promote a culture of excellence in climate journalism and support the development of a more informed public on climate issues.
The IGAD Media Awards serve as a vital tool in promoting a deeper understanding of climate change and its impact on the region. By highlighting the stories of those affected and the efforts being made to combat climate change, the awards contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable future for the Horn of Africa.
Source: igad.int
